How to Use puff in a Sentence

puff

1 of 3 verb
Definition of puffnext
Synonyms for puffnext
  • The bikers puffed up the hill.
  • The chimney puffed white smoke into the sky.
  • We watched the train puff away on its journey west.
  • She sat on the porch puffing on a cigarette.
  • He was puffing and panting from running.
  • What’s more, the rest of the world has reason to puff its chest.
    — Sean Gregory, Time, 6 July 2023
  • In the dry, hot heat of the oven, the chunks of potato puff out a little.
    — Tribune News Service, cleveland, 23 Mar. 2021
  • The drug stopped the pain, but also served to puff Keenan's body up a bit.
    — Richard Ruelas, The Arizona Republic, 19 Mar. 2021
  • The heat from the oven puffed the dough like a pita in less than a minute.
    — Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 21 June 2023
  • Davis puffed up his cheeks and blew the air out slowly.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2024
  • Dirt suddenly puffs up on the ground near a child on the mound.
    — Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2023
  • Day 3: By day 3, the mixture should start to bubble and puff up a bit.
    — Eric Pallant, CNN, 14 Sep. 2021
  • Bake until the eggs are puffed and set, 18 to 20 minutes.
    — Christopher Kimball, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Apr. 2023
  • The dough should puff up and look like mummy wrappings.
    — Michelle Stark, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2022
  • Bake until the crust is browned and puffed, about 35 minutes.
    — Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appétit, 3 Aug. 2023
  • But the rice is the key, and each grain was glowing with spice and puffed up like risotto on steroids.
    — Mike Sutter, ExpressNews.com, 30 Apr. 2020
  • That’s 16 layers that will puff in the oven as the butter melts and creates steam.
    — Sohla El-Waylly, Bon Appétit, 7 Apr. 2020
  • The rice should be puffed up and tender on the outside, with a little bite in the middle.
    — Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024
  • His body, in this case, seemed truly to puff up and grow bigger.
    — Ben Brantley, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2021
  • The fog appeared as a curtain around the character and didn’t just puff out of the stage’s trap door.
    — Kenneth R. Gosselin, courant.com, 20 Dec. 2020
  • Steam until the buns are puffed and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
    — Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2020
  • As noted above, nighttime is a prime time for your face to puff up.
    — Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 3 Nov. 2023
  • Transfer to the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the rounds are slightly puffed and brown at the edges.
    — Sally Pasley Vargas, BostonGlobe.com, 4 July 2023
  • This was supposed to be the time to cheer lungs raw and puff out chests on Montezuma Mesa.
    — San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Dec. 2021
  • Khan didn’t need to puff up his arms or chest to play the part of an enforcer to a medieval warlord.
    — Hazlitt, 28 Apr. 2022
  • Don’t act out, don’t huff and puff over the indignity of it all — just be busy that day.
    — Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 18 Nov. 2022
  • Don’t act out, don’t huff and puff over the indignity of it all – just, be busy that day.
    — Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, 18 Nov. 2022
  • Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, until the tortilla is puffed up, golden brown and crisp and the cheese melts.
    — Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 28 June 2023
  • Chazelle whips the story into cream-puff whorls of myths upon myths.
    — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2022
  • Sprinkle the pastry with a little coarse salt and then bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden and puffed.
    — The Editors, Field & Stream, 6 Mar. 2024
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puff

2 of 3 noun
  • He let me have a puff off his pipe.
  • She took two puffs on her inhaler before going for a run.
  • Or to be away from the soft puff of Shirlee’s breathing.
    — Addie Citchens, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024
  • In the crowd, fists pumped and at least one puff of smoke trailed into the sky.
    — Rael Ombuor, Washington Post, 3 Aug. 2022
  • The puff around the shoulders, the micro-dots, the gold buttons, the fake pockets, the white lapel…the white lapel!
    — Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 20 Sep. 2022
  • Then there was a low rumble, and a puff of white billowed from the top of the glacier - an avalanche.
    — Sarah Kaplan, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Aug. 2022
  • Would a light puff of air really alert me to turn off the oven?
    — Forrester, Forbes, 16 May 2022
  • Between the puff sleeves and the tie detail, this bikini is too cute for words.
    — Hannah Oh and Ann Wang, Seventeen, 5 July 2022
  • The mortar fired again, and the soldiers disappeared in a puff of smoke.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2023
  • This tiered bodice dress by Maggeer comes in breathable polyester and has chic puff sleeves with cuffs.
    — Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 3 Sep. 2022
  • The type called Burgundy Bunny grows to about a foot high with dark red blades and fuzzy seed puffs.
    — Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 19 Sep. 2023
  • Strike a vintage note with puff-sleeves worthy of a princess in a portrait.
    — Marykate Boylan, Town & Country, 7 June 2022
  • Some costumers note that the satin ribbons on the puff sleeves could be sewn better, though.
    — Elizabeth Berry, Woman's Day, 24 May 2022
  • Blake Lemoine asked me, between puffs of a pink and yellow vape pen.
    — Josh Morgenthau, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2023
  • The crewneck keeps you covered from the elements, while the slight puff sleeves add some fun.
    — Cameron Jenkins, Good Housekeeping, 30 July 2023
  • Jean met her eyes again and exhaled a light puff of laughter.
    — Hannah Gold, Harper’s Magazine , 26 Oct. 2022
  • Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature for a quick puff when the dough hits the oil.
    — Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 20 July 2023
  • It’s filled with modern finds—like sleek slip dresses and puff-sleeve frocks.
    — Vogue, 5 Apr. 2022
  • These puffs are flavored with Gruyere, dry mustard, and cayenne.
    — Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2024
  • Even a tiny sip of water or a puff of smoke is enough to invalidate the fast.
    — Niniek Karmini, ajc, 22 Mar. 2023
  • Simply pop them in the freezer for about 20 minutes, then use them to massage the puff right out of your face.
    — Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 21 Sep. 2023
  • Wildmikael was twenty-three and petite, with full cheeks and a puff of curly hair.
    — Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2023
  • To acquire a beloved puff sleeve dress of your own, shop our edit below.
    — Kristen Bateman, refinery29.com, 25 July 2022
  • Appetizer of Gougères, a cheese puff made with pâte à choux and Gruyère cheese.
    — Allana Haynes, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2022
  • Spoon it into airy cheese puffs and serve it at brunch or bridal showers.
    — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2024
  • The natural flavors derived from the cannabis plant make each puff or bite a delight for the taste buds.
    — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2023
  • Along with the pork, Liew’s version features crunchy bok choy and pillowy tofu puffs that soak up all the broth.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 6 Dec. 2023
  • Who could resist my baby face, big eyes, thick afro puffs and squeaky voice?
    — Tanikia Carpenter, Parents, 19 Nov. 2023
  • The emergency generator had kicked on, sending a puff of thick smoke belching from the ship’s exhaust stack and briefly restoring the lights, radar and steering.
    — Mike Baker, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024
  • Beyoncé wore dramatic sleeve styles—puffs, tufts, capes—on her Renaissance World Tour.
    — André Wheeler, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024
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puff

3 of 3 adjective
  • The top has a V-neck, puff sleeves, and a loose fit that won’t cling to you.
    — Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2023
  • This duo pairs a badass puff long-sleeve knit cropped top with a bodycon skirt.
    — Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023
  • The Florie Dress is so precious and features puff sleeves and a drop-waist flounce.
    — harpersbazaar.com, 9 May 2023
  • It was cinched at the waist with a thin belt and included puff sleeves and an ample skirt.
    — Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 July 2023
  • The square neck design offers a touch of vintage charm, while the long puff sleeves add a dash of modern flair.
    — Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2023
  • The gorgeous dress has puff short sleeves and an elastic waist for a flattering fit.
    — Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 29 May 2023
  • Think miniskirts, bows, pink puff sleeves, delicate white broderie anglaise tops.
    — Sarah Spellings, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2023
  • This adorable puff sleeve, velvet mini dress has a tulip hemline and a wrap detail.
    — Elle Murphy, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2023
  • That night, the superstar hit the red carpet in a velvet column gown with a high-slit and statement puff sleeves with a long train.
    — Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2023
  • To train the crows to use the stones, the researchers started by making a cheese puff trail to the tube, incentivizing the crow’s curiosity.
    — Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Ars Technica, 14 Dec. 2023
  • The vibrant piece included a sleek matching belt cinched at the waist and dramatic puff sleeves.
    — Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 23 June 2023
  • Soak up the sun in this flowy tiered maxi dress from The Drop, which updates the classic dress' silhouette with a trendy square neckline, puff sleeves, and side cut-outs.
    — Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2023
  • That's especially true of this puff-sleeve mini with its waist cutouts.
    — Leah Melby Clinton, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Feb. 2023
  • At Bake on the Run, that curry, a yellow split pea dal or a mix of egg and salted cod come with a side of bake, a semi-sweet puff bread that gives the cart its name.
    — Mrussell, oregonlive, 1 Apr. 2023
  • The puff sleeves work well for warm weather, and the mini dress version would be perfect for a summer backyard party, too. Buy It!
    — Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 14 Apr. 2023
  • Unlike Davis’, the green on this one is a bit more emerald, but otherwise, the puff sleeves, bold print, and tiered layers feel very similar.
    — Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 22 June 2023
  • Nordstrom Rack slashed prices on over 500 mini, midi, and maxi dresses with trendy details like puff sleeves and ruffles — and prices start at $8.
    — Claire Harmeyer, Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2023
  • Jenner's large puff top engulfed her entire torso like a cloud, which could be seen as a call to Princess Diana's puff-sleeve wedding gown.
    — Tara Gonzalez, Harper's BAZAAR, 26 June 2023
  • Rich chocolate with puff sleeves and a full swinging skirt make this Gabriela Hearst wool-cashmere number irresistible.
    — Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 31 Aug. 2023
  • There are plenty of Amazon T-shirt dresses that come with a bit of flair — like this Aloodor option that features puff sleeves and ruffled cuffs.
    — Kristine Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2023
  • For more of a statement piece, opt for a maxi dress with cute cut-outs, sultry slits, pretty puff sleeves, or a striking one-shoulder silhouette.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2023
  • This button-up eyelet top has tiny openings that are conducive to airflow and pretty puff sleeves that make the 100 percent cotton shirt stand out.
    — Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 17 May 2023
  • Apply the anti-puff serum with the metal roller ball and get ready to reap all of the cooling, calming, and rejuvenating benefits.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 24 May 2021
  • This prairie dress from Amazon has a puff sleeve (another trend), a gingham print, and a flattering A-line silhouette.
    — Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2023
  • For a more muted version of Michele's statement sleeves, this Madwell puff-sleeve midi dress is great for everyday wear.
    — Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2023
  • Eugenie chose a white gown with black detailing, featuring a deep-V neckline and short puff sleeves.
    — Quinci Legardye, Harper's BAZAAR, 8 May 2023
  • The model posed in front of the purple flowers in a gingham print puff sleeve crop top and matching wrap skort, with an arm stretched up above her head revealing a tiny bit of her black mesh bra.
    — Briannah Rivera, Seventeen, 10 July 2023
  • Jollof rice is served alongside a thick pork loin crusted in suya and the meal concludes with puff puff donuts that have a satisfying crunchy outer shell and a soft and moist buoyant center.
    — Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2023
  • The long puff lantern sleeves add an element of drama, while the sheer mesh material creates an alluring, edgy look.
    — Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2023
  • TikTok is full of videos capturing the way Gracie sparks wide-eyed reactions in children, especially Black children, with her rich brown skin, sparkling eyes and puff pigtails.
    — Bethonie Butler, Washington Post, 3 Jan. 2024

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'puff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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