pouf: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal (as furniture, fashion); literary/archaic (as interjection)
Quick answer
What does “pouf” mean?
A large, firm cushion used as a low seat or footstool.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, firm cushion used as a low seat or footstool.
A hairstyle where hair is gathered into a rounded mass of curls or rolls at the back of the head; a puff of fabric, as in a dress; an onomatopoeic interjection for a soft, sudden impact or disappearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'pouffe' is a common alternative spelling for the furniture item. In American English, 'pouf' is standard for all senses. The furniture item is sometimes called an 'ottoman' in AmE.
Connotations
In fashion/hairstyle contexts, the word has a retro, mid-century connotation.
Frequency
The furniture sense is uncommon but known. The interjection is rare.
Grammar
How to Use “pouf” in a Sentence
[sit/rest] on a/the pouf[arrange/style] [hair] in a poufa pouf of [smoke/dust/air]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pouf” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She poufed her hair for the vintage-themed party.
American English
- The magician poufed the scarf into thin air.
adjective
British English
- She had a pouf hairstyle reminiscent of the 1960s.
American English
- The dress had a pouf sleeve detail.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unlikely, except in interior design/furniture retail.
Academic
Rare; potentially in historical studies of fashion or furniture design.
Everyday
Used occasionally when describing furniture or vintage hairstyles.
Technical
Used in upholstery, furniture-making, and historical costume design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pouf”
- Spelling: 'poof' (which is a derogatory term/slang) vs. 'pouf'. Using 'pouf' for a high seat. Pronouncing it as /paʊf/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very similar. An ottoman is often larger and may have storage, while a pouf is typically a solid, cushion-like seat without a rigid frame.
No. However, the spelling 'poof' (same pronunciation) is a derogatory British/Australian slang term. Be careful with spelling.
Yes, informally, meaning to style hair into a puffed-up shape or to cause something to puff out or disappear.
It rhymes with 'roof' (/puːf/ in UK English, /puf/ in US English).
A large, firm cushion used as a low seat or footstool.
Pouf is usually informal (as furniture, fashion); literary/archaic (as interjection) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go pouf (informal, rare): to disappear suddenly or fail completely.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'POF' sound when you plop down onto a soft, cushiony seat – that's a POUF.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOFTNESS IS A CUSHION (for the furniture sense); SUDDEN DISAPPEARANCE IS A PUFF OF AIR/SMOKE (for the interjection).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'pouf' LEAST likely to be used today?