puff
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for puff, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short burst of breath, air, or smoke.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use puff
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English pyf, "a blast of wind," of imitative (sound-based) origin.
Full origin of puff →Frequently asked questions
What does “puff” mean?
The word “puff” means a short burst of breath, air, or smoke. In plain terms, a quick burst of air or breath — or, as a verb, to breathe hard, swell up, or oversell something.
How do you pronounce “puff”?
“Puff” is pronounced puhf (/pʌf/ in IPA).
How do you use “puff” in a sentence?
Here is “puff” used in a sentence: “A puff of smoke rose from the chimney.”
What part of speech is “puff”?
Depending on how it is used, “puff” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “puff” come from?
The word “puff” comes from Old English. From Old English pyf, "a blast of wind," of imitative (sound-based) origin.
Is “puff” a common word?
“Puff” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “puff” have?
“Puff” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short burst of breath, air, or smoke.
What is the difference between "puff" and "blow" as verbs?
"Puff" typically describes short, repeated bursts of breath or smoke, or breathing quickly and heavily from exertion, such as puffing up a hill. "Blow" is a more general term for forcing air out in a single or sustained action, without the same connotation of short bursts or exertion.
What does it mean when something "puffs up"?
When something "puffs up," it swells or inflates, often used for bread rising, a bird fluffing its feathers, or a person's face swelling. It can also describe a person becoming figuratively inflated with pride.
What does it mean to "puff" a product in advertising or promotional writing?
To "puff" something in this sense means to praise it excessively, especially for promotional purposes, often exaggerating its qualities. This usage gives rise to the term "puff piece," describing an overly flattering article or review.