bouffant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, fashion/beauty-related contexts. Uncommon in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “bouffant” mean?
A hairstyle characterized by hair styled high and full, puffed out away from the head.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hairstyle characterized by hair styled high and full, puffed out away from the head.
Any item of clothing or style that is full, puffed out, or voluminous, often referring to skirts, sleeves, or fashion details.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and usage are identical. The concept is understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Often carries connotations of the 1950s/60s, retro fashion, or elaborate formal styles. May be seen as slightly old-fashioned or theatrical.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties. Appears in fashion journalism, historical descriptions, and hair styling.
Grammar
How to Use “bouffant” in a Sentence
Adjective + noun (a bouffant hairdo)Noun (She wore a bouffant.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bouffant” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Her hair was bouffanted for the evening gala.
American English
- She had her hair bouffanted at the salon.
adverb
British English
- Her hair was styled bouffantly, towering above her head.
American English
- The skirt hung bouffantly over the petticoat.
adjective
British English
- She chose a vintage dress with a bouffant silhouette.
American English
- The stylist created a bouffant 'do for the wedding.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except possibly in the beauty/hairdressing industry.
Academic
Used in historical, cultural, or fashion studies contexts.
Everyday
Rare. Understood but not commonly used.
Technical
Specific term in hairstyling and fashion design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bouffant”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈbʌfənt/ (like 'buffant').
- Using it to describe any big hair, rather than the specific puffed-out style.
- Spelling: 'boufant', 'buffont'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common for hairstyles, it can also describe voluminous clothing like skirts or sleeves.
A beehive is a specific type of bouffant that is teased high and shaped into a smooth, conical form resembling a beehive. 'Bouffant' is a broader term for any puffed-out, full hairstyle.
Yes, it comes from the French 'bouffer' meaning 'to puff' or 'swell'.
It is considered a classic or retro style. It appears periodically in fashion cycles and is a staple for formal events like weddings or in theatrical/period looks.
A hairstyle characterized by hair styled high and full, puffed out away from the head.
Bouffant is usually formal, fashion/beauty-related contexts. uncommon in casual conversation. in register.
Bouffant: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbuːfɒ̃/, and in American English it is pronounced /buˈfɑːnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'BOO!'-'FANT' (fantasy). A BIG, FANTASTIC, puffed-out hairstyle that might make you say 'BOO!' in surprise.
Conceptual Metaphor
VOLUME IS SUBSTANCE / IMPORTANCE (a bouffant adds visual substance and can signify status or occasion).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'bouffant' LEAST likely to be used?