noun

chaff

chaf

Chaff (noun) means the dry, papery husks separated from grain during threshing. Example: “The wind blew the chaff away, leaving clean grain behind.”

noun

The dry, papery husks separated from grain during threshing.

"The wind blew the chaff away, leaving clean grain behind."

"Farmers used to burn the leftover chaff in the fields."

Something considered worthless or unwanted, especially compared with something valuable ("separating the wheat from the chaff").

"The editor cut the chaff and kept only the strongest essays."

verb

To tease or make good-natured fun of someone.

"His friends chaffed him for showing up late again."

"They chaffed each other about their terrible golf swings."

How to use chaff

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLeftover grain husks, or by extension, worthless material — and as a verb, to tease someone lightly.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "chafe," which means to rub painfully or become irritated.

Easily confused with

chafe →

Common pairings

wheat from the chaff separate the chaff

Word forms

chaffed past tense, chaffs plural, chaffs singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The wind blew the _____ away, leaving clean grain behind.

Etymology

From Old English ceaf, related to similar words for grain husks in other Germanic languages.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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kid josh straw jolly stalk banter husk shuck stubble

Related words

very Children girl pretty child boy kid somewhat

Rhymes for chaff

aff gaff raff staff graff

See all rhymes for chaff →

Frequently asked questions

What does “chaff” mean?

The word “chaff” means the dry, papery husks separated from grain during threshing. In plain terms, leftover grain husks, or by extension, worthless material — and as a verb, to tease someone lightly.

How do you pronounce “chaff”?

“Chaff” is pronounced chaf (/t͡ʃæf/ in IPA).

How do you use “chaff” in a sentence?

Here is “chaff” used in a sentence: “The wind blew the chaff away, leaving clean grain behind.”

What part of speech is “chaff”?

Depending on how it is used, “chaff” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “chaff” come from?

The word “chaff” comes from Old English. From Old English ceaf, related to similar words for grain husks in other Germanic languages.

How many meanings does “chaff” have?

“Chaff” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the dry, papery husks separated from grain during threshing.

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