Huff

/hʌf/

verbBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To blow out air audibly, especially to show annoyance or exasperation.

/hʌf/

verbnegativeBeginner
General

To breathe out loudly, often in annoyance or displeasure.

She huffed in frustration when she couldn't open the jar.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're really annoyed about something, like when your favorite toy breaks. You might take a deep breath and let it out in a big, noisy 'huff' to show you're upset!

👶 For kids: To breathe out loudly like when you're mad or tired.

More Examples

2

The dog huffed impatiently, waiting for his walk.

How It's Used

Everyday Conversation

"He huffed after he lost the game."

Literature

"The dragon huffed and puffed, preparing to breathe fire."

2

A sudden puff or gust of air.

/hʌf/

nounneutralmedium
General

A puff or gust of air.

A huff of smoke escaped from the chimney.

💡 Simply: Imagine a tiny little gust of wind that suddenly blows on your face.

👶 For kids: A little burst of air.

More Examples

2

He felt a huff of cold air as he opened the door.

How It's Used

Weather

"A sudden huff of wind blew through the trees."

Tip:Think of a sudden burst of air.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

in a huff

In a state of annoyance or offense.

"She stomped off in a huff after the argument."

Likely imitative of the sound of heavy breathing. First appears in Middle English.

Used since Middle English, often describing the sound of breathing or blowing.

Memory tip

Imagine you're blowing a raspberry at someone who just annoyed you.

Word Origin

LanguageProto-Germanic
Original meaning

"Related to sounds of breathing."

huff and puffa sudden huffin a huff

Common misspellings

hufhuffs

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written