stuffer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Occupational, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “stuffer” mean?
A person or thing that stuffs something, such as placing filling into a container.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that stuffs something, such as placing filling into a container.
Primarily refers to: 1. A person who fills envelopes or other items as a job or task. 2. A device or person that packs something tightly. 3. In culinary contexts, a kitchen implement for filling poultry or pastries. 4. Colloquially, a person who consumes large amounts of food.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core meaning. 'Stuffer' for the eating sense is slightly more common in informal American English. The compound 'envelope stuffer' (advertising leaflet) is more frequent in US business contexts.
Connotations
Generally neutral for occupational/culinary uses. The 'overeater' sense carries a mildly humorous or critical connotation in both dialects.
Frequency
Overall low frequency in both. More likely encountered in specific domains (e.g., mail rooms, kitchens, taxidermy) than in general conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “stuffer” in a Sentence
[stuffer] of [object][adjective] stuffer[compound noun] stufferVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stuffer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She will stuff the pillows herself.
- He is learning to stuff and mount animals.
American English
- They need to stuff these envelopes by noon.
- We're going to stuff the turkey with cornbread.
adverb
British English
- This bag is stuffed full.
- He ate stupidly.
American English
- The suitcase was stuffed tightly.
- She drove recklessly.
adjective
British English
- The stuffing machine is broken.
- A taxidermy exhibition.
American English
- We need a stuffing spoon.
- The mailing department.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a temporary worker who fills envelopes for mass mailings.
Academic
Rare, except in specific historical or sociological studies of labor.
Everyday
Most often refers to a kitchen tool for stuffing a turkey or chicken.
Technical
Used in manufacturing for machines that fill containers, or in taxidermy for the practitioner.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stuffer”
- Using 'stuffer' to mean the stuffing itself (correct: stuffing).
- Using it as a standard job title instead of a descriptive term (e.g., 'I am a mail processor' not 'I am a stuffer').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word mostly used in specific contexts like mailing, cooking, or taxidermy.
Yes, but this is an informal, colloquial usage. The primary meanings are related to the act of filling something.
'Stuffer' is the agent (person/tool) that does the stuffing. 'Stuffing' is the material used to fill something or the action itself.
It is used in both British and American English, but it is more prevalent in American business and political campaign vocabulary.
A person or thing that stuffs something, such as placing filling into a container.
Stuffer is usually informal, occupational, culinary in register.
Stuffer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstʌfə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstʌfər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. Occasionally 'envelope stuffer' refers to a low-quality advertisement.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a chef using a STUFFER to STUFF a turkey full of herbs.
Conceptual Metaphor
FILLING IS PUTTING SUBSTANCE INTO A CONTAINER (The agent of filling is a stuffer).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stuffer' LEAST likely to be used?