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

This small puffer crossbody bag is the ultimate travel essential. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026

The actress held hands with her hubby, who was clad in casual dark-wash jeans, a gray T-shirt, black puffer jacket, brown leather sneakers, and orange eyeglasses. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 8 Apr. 2026

Adjective

Justin, meanwhile, bundled up in a white fleece coat with a puffer hood. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

Over her sweater, Richards wore a puffer coat from Polo Ralph Lauren x Tópa. —Tara Larson, Footwear News, 22 Dec. 2025

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