puffer

1 of 2

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

: an outerwear garment for the upper body (such as a coat or jacket) that is made of a quilted material filled with down or a synthetic stuffing and that has a puffy appearance

especially : puffer jacket

This basic puffer provides lightweight, insulated warmth, and it packs down into a small, travel-friendly pouch—no flashy logos or overinflated prices, just a solid jacket.

—Jeff Turbett

A selection of base layers, hoodies, puffers, and other outdoor clothing and accessories are all on sale.

—Malarie Gokey

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

—Jacob Gallagher

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

puffer

2 of 2

adjective

: made from or featuring a quilted material that is filled with down or a synthetic stuffing and that has a puffy appearance

Though the puffer style and high price tag may dissuade you, I think the quality and insulation outweigh these minor drawbacks.

—Steven John

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

—Rachel Besser

… the newest puffy trend we didn't even know existed: the puffer shoe. Yes, you read that right.

—Claire Harmeyer

see also puffer jacket

Examples of puffer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Her account is full of the two cats playing together, begging for treats, and cuddled up asleep—but the owner recently noticed something special about how Mayaa likes to lie curled up in her puffer jacket. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

Why somebody acts like a puffer fish One key indicator for puffer-fishing could be attachment style, Newman says. —Cassie Hurwitz, SELF, 24 Mar. 2026

Brush away debris If an air puffer does not remove all debris on the first try, a lens brush is the next best option. —Jacob Little, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2026

Designed for fashion and function, this puffer-style cropped style is cozy and flexible, perfect for on-slope action and après vibes alike. —Ally Jaksen, Outside, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from attributive use of puffer entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adjective

1975, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing puffer

• puffer coat
• puffer fish
• puffer jacket

Rhymes for puffer

• buffer
• duffer
• kafir
• rougher
• suffer
• tougher

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