Meaning & Definition of word "Puffing"

Puffing

/ˈpʌfɪŋ/

noun:

  • 1. A puff of air, smoke, or vapor.
    • Example: He took a puff of the pipe and sighed contentedly.
  • 2. An instance of breathing heavily or exerting oneself.
    • Example: She took a few puffs before speaking again.
  • 3. An exaggerated claim or boast.
    • Example: The advertisement was full of puffing about the product's effectiveness.

verb:

  • 1. To blow or emit air, often used in the context of breathing heavily due to exertion.
    • Example: After climbing the hill, she was puffing and needed to catch her breath.
  • 2. The act of exhaling air in short bursts, often producing a puff of smoke or vapor.
    • Example: He was puffing on his cigar while watching the game.
  • 3. To swell or become inflated; to make something appear larger or more impressive.
    • Example: The chef was puffing the pastry to make it look more appealing.

Etymology

Middle English 'puffen', of imitative origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

puffing and panting:

Breathing heavily due to exertion.

puffing up:

To inflate or become larger.

puffing smoke:

Releasing smoke in a series of puffs.

Related Words

puff:

A short burst of air or smoke.

puffed:

Swelled or expanded.

puffery:

Exaggerated or boastful statements.

Slang Meanings of puffing

Meaning: To smoke marijuana.

Example Sentence: They were just puffing in the backyard.

Meaning: To exaggerate or boast about something.

Example Sentence: He's always puffing; he doesn't really own a yacht.