English
pouf
Pronunciation Noun

pouf (plural poufs)

  1. (historical) A headdress for women popular in 18th century France. [from 18th c.]
  2. A high hair style for women consisting of a roll or pad of hair, worn up. [from 19th c.]
  3. (dressmaking) Part of an item of clothing consisting of gathered fabric in a bunch. [from 19th c.]
  4. A low cushioned seat with no back; a padded footstool. [from 19th c.]
    • 1922, H.D., Asphodel:
      The voice came from the end of the divan but Hermione, seated square before the fire on a low pouffe did not turn to face its suave producer.
    • 1948, John Creasey, The Case Against Paul Raeburn:
      Raeburn's handsome head was resting against the back of his chair; Eve sat on a pouf in front of the fire.
    • 1971, ‘Slaughter at the Summer Palace’, Time, 26 Aug 1971:
      Italian Ambassador Amedeo Guillet, who makes it a practice never to eat at midday, lounged on a Moroccan pouf reading The Peter Principle.
  5. A short skirt gathered into a rounded puffy shape; a puffball. [from 20th c.]
  6. A ball of fabric (such as nylon monofilament netting) used for washing (as an alternative to a flannel, washcloth, sponge, etc.).
  7. (dated) A small saddle cushion worn atop the buttocks (as a fashion trend – similar to a bustle).
  8. Alternative form of puff
  9. Alternative form of poof
Synonyms Translations
  • French: pouf
  • Italian: puf
Verb

pouf (poufs, present participle poufing; past and past participle poufed)

  1. (transitive) To make poufy or bouffant.
    to pouf the hair
Interjection
  1. Onomatopoeia indicating a cloud of smoke or wind; caused by a deflating object, or a magical disappearance.
    Pouf, he was gone.


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