poof

1
[ poof, poof ]

interjection
  1. (used to express or indicate a sudden disappearance): Poof! The magician made the rabbit disappear.

Origin of poof

1
First recorded in 1815–25

Words Nearby poof

Other definitions for poof (2 of 2)

poof2
[ poof, poof ]

nounBritish Slang.
  1. Extremely Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a gay man.

  2. Offensive. an effeminate male.

Origin of poof

2
First recorded in 1840–50; from French pouffe “puff”; see origin at pouf1
  • Also pouf; poof·ter [poof-ter] /ˈpuf tər/ .
  • Sometimes pooff; poove [poov] /puv/ .

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use poof in a sentence

  • poof—crack—bang, went off another explosion; and up bounced Old Hellyer, as if a catapult had been applied below his seat.

    On Board the Esmeralda | John Conroy Hutcheson
  • You are not in the habit of discussing your love affairs quite so generously as I. poof!

    West Wind Drift | George Barr McCutcheon
  • "poof to United States," said the little man, snapping his fingers.

    A Voyage with Captain Dynamite | Charles Edward Rich
  • He had volunteered this service and accomplish it he must, in face of all obstacles, or poof!

    The Carpet from Bagdad | Harold MacGrath
  • Thinking of fresh yams and fruit, I pulled off the leaves, and there—poof!

    Tropic Days | E. J. Banfield

British Dictionary definitions for poof

poof

poove

/ (pʊf, puːf) /


noun
  1. British derogatory, slang a male homosexual

Origin of poof

1
C20: from French pouffe puff

Derived forms of poof

  • poofy, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012