puffer

noun

puff·​er ˈpə-fər 

plural puffers

1

: any of a family (Tetraodontidae) of chiefly tropical scaleless marine bony fishes which can distend themselves to a globular form and most of which are highly poisonous : puffer fish

2

: a garment (such as a jacket) made of heavy quilted material

Yet this flood of fashion has a downside. … Can you layer a puffer over a suit without looking, well, portly?

—Jacob Gallagher

—often used before another noun

Roche, a slightly unkempt 54-year-old, wore black ski pants, a puffer jacket and sunglasses.

—Irina Aleksander

The new men's look … incorporates sporty items such as hoodies, puffer vests or jackets, camouflage patterns, sneakers, polo shirts and bomber jackets.

—Ray A. Smith

Once destined only for … occasions where highly practical (but often ugly) outerwear is required, the puffer coat has now infiltrated the world of high fashion.

—Otago (New Zealand) Daily Times (online)

These makers seem to be in alignment; the puffer scarf is the practical and stylish answer to frigid weather.

—Rachel Besser

3

: someone or something that puffs

Surrounded by two-pack-a-day cigarette puffers, he was a cigar smoker.

—Russell Baker

When it's wet or humid, lubricate sticky locks with a graphite puffer or talcum.

—Shannon Lush and Jennifer Fleming

Examples of puffer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The pale yellow shade is a nice departure from traditional neutrals like white or gray, and the corduroy collar and polished gold buttons are small design touches that go a long way for a simple puffer like this one. —Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2024

Then the pasta puffer kept us warm during the winter of 2023. —Megan Wahn, Bon Appétit, 5 Aug. 2024

The collection delivers a cross-section of pieces ranging from statement coats worn with a streetwear sensibility to cropped puffers paired with pleated skirts. —Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 19 Aug. 2024

One of the up-and-coming model's outfits was an all-black look featuring a puffer vest over a simple t-shirt and baggy pants. —Sabienna Bowman, Peoplemag, 24 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing puffer

• puffer fish

Kids Definition

puffer

noun

puff·​er ˈpəf-ər 

1

: one that puffs

2

: puffer fish

Medical Definition

puffer

noun

puff·​er ˈpəf-ər 

: puffer fish