tuff

noun

: a rock composed of the finer kinds of volcanic detritus usually fused together by heat
tuffaceous adjective

Examples of tuff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Altitudes range from 400-700m and contain varying quantities of volcanic tuff and calcareous clays. Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 Others are more roughly hewn from tuff, a soft volcanic rock from which the famous Seven Hills of Rome are formed. Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 23 July 2025 Limestone brick arches alternate with smooth tuff walls, some pockmarked, while others are chiseled with geometric shapes. Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2025 Other rare finds at the site include a small bronze panther, a mosaic glass spindle whorl, and a tuff — or rock — votive, according to the release. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tuff

Word History

Etymology

earlier tuph, tuft porous rock, from Middle French tuf, from Old Italian tufo

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tuff was in 1815

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tuff. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tuff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!