noun
puffer
PUH-fuh
Puffer (noun) means any of several fish that inflate their bodies with water or air when threatened. Example: “The puffer swelled up like a spiky balloon when the diver got close.”
noun
1
Any of several fish that inflate their bodies with water or air when threatened.
"The puffer swelled up like a spiky balloon when the diver got close."
2
A thick, quilted, insulated jacket.
"She wore a bright red puffer to keep warm on the ski slope."
3
A small handheld inhaler used for asthma or similar conditions.
"He reached for his puffer as soon as his chest got tight."
How to use puffer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDepending on context: a puffer fish, a puffer jacket, or an asthma inhaler.
Common pairings
puffer fish
puffer jacket
use a puffer
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Word forms
- Plural
- puffers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ swelled up like a spiky balloon when the diver got close.
Etymology
From puff plus the agent suffix -er.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for puffer
See all rhymes for puffer →Frequently asked questions
What does “puffer” mean?
The word “puffer” means any of several fish that inflate their bodies with water or air when threatened. In plain terms, depending on context: a puffer fish, a puffer jacket, or an asthma inhaler.
How do you pronounce “puffer”?
“Puffer” is pronounced PUH-fuh (/ˈpʌfɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “puffer” in a sentence?
Here is “puffer” used in a sentence: “The puffer swelled up like a spiky balloon when the diver got close.”
What is another word for “puffer”?
Words with a similar meaning to “puffer” include globefish and pufferfish.
What part of speech is “puffer”?
“Puffer” is a noun.
How many meanings does “puffer” have?
“Puffer” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any of several fish that inflate their bodies with water or air when threatened.
