puffed; puffing; puffs
Definition of puff
(Entry 1 of 3)
1a(1)
: to blow in short gusts
(2)
: to exhale forcibly
b
: to breathe hard : pant
c
: to emit small whiffs or clouds (as of smoke) often as an accompaniment to vigorous action
puff at a pipe
2
: to speak or act in a scornful, conceited, or exaggerated manner
3a
: to become distended : swell
—usually used with up
b
: to open or appear in or as if in a puff
4
: to form a chromosomal puff
b
: to draw on (a cigar, cigarette, pipe, etc.) with intermittent exhalations of smoke
puff
nounDefinition of puff (Entry 2 of 3)
b
: a slight explosive sound accompanying a puff
c
: a perceptible cloud or aura emitted in a puff
d
: draw sense 1a
2
: a light round hollow pastry
3a
: a slight swelling : protuberance
b
: a fluffy mass: such as
(1)
: pouf sense 2
(2)
: a small fluffy pad for applying cosmetic powder
(3)
: a soft loose roll of hair
(4)
: a quilted bed covering
4
: a commendatory or promotional notice or review
5
: an enlarged region of a chromosome that is associated with intensely active genes involved in RNA synthesis
puff
adjectiveDefinition of puff (Entry 3 of 3)
: of, relating to, or designed for promotion or flattery
a puff piece in the paper
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for puff
The first known use of puff was before the 12th century
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