puffer

1 of 2

noun

puff·​er ˈpə-fər 

plural puffers

1

: any of a family (Tetraodontidae) of chiefly tropical scaleless marine bony fishes which can distend themselves to a globular form and most of which are highly poisonous : puffer fish

2

: an outerwear garment for the upper body (such as a coat or jacket) that is made of a quilted material filled with down or a synthetic stuffing and that has a puffy appearance

especially : puffer jacket

This basic puffer provides lightweight, insulated warmth, and it packs down into a small, travel-friendly pouch—no flashy logos or overinflated prices, just a solid jacket.

—Jeff Turbett

A selection of base layers, hoodies, puffers, and other outdoor clothing and accessories are all on sale.

—Malarie Gokey

Yet this flood of fashion has a downside. … Can you layer a puffer over a suit without looking, well, portly?

—Jacob Gallagher

3

: someone or something that puffs

Surrounded by two-pack-a-day cigarette puffers, he was a cigar smoker.

—Russell Baker

When it's wet or humid, lubricate sticky locks with a graphite puffer or talcum.

—Shannon Lush and Jennifer Fleming

puffer

2 of 2

adjective

: made from or featuring a quilted material that is filled with down or a synthetic stuffing and that has a puffy appearance

Though the puffer style and high price tag may dissuade you, I think the quality and insulation outweigh these minor drawbacks.

—Steven John

These makers seem to be in alignment; the puffer scarf is the practical and stylish answer to frigid weather.

—Rachel Besser

… the newest puffy trend we didn't even know existed: the puffer shoe. Yes, you read that right.

—Claire Harmeyer

see also puffer jacket

Examples of puffer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The brand’s classic coats were joined by handsome bomber jackets in grained leather or suede, cocooning puffers and enveloping shearling jackets and stoles that were lined with contrasting napa for extra luxe. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026

Although the jacket looks like a simple puffer, it is built to last in harsh conditions. —Outside, 28 Feb. 2026

With multiple compartments in a sleek, stylish puffer design, the Urban Expressions Kris Weekender keeps everything organized and within easy reach, all while staying compact enough to carry comfortably. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026

The Silver Linings Playbook star brought his own dark color palette via an oversized dirt-brown button-up shirt, baggy black pants, black work boots, black puffer jacket, and black trucker hat emblazoned with the name of his cheesesteak shop, Danny and Coop's. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from attributive use of puffer entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adjective

1975, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing puffer

• puffer coat
• puffer fish
• puffer jacket

Rhymes for puffer

• buffer
• duffer
• kafir
• rougher
• suffer
• tougher

Kids Definition

puffer

noun

puff·​er ˈpəf-ər 

1

: one that puffs

2

: puffer fish

Medical Definition

puffer

noun

puff·​er ˈpəf-ər 

: puffer fish