puff out
B2 neutral both both
In simple words
to blow air so something gets bigger, or to breathe air out
Literal meaning: Literally, to send or make something out in puffs.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
to fill something or a part of the body with air so it becomes rounder or larger
"He puffed out his cheeks and tried not to laugh."
Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral
to breathe or send something out in short bursts
"She puffed out a long breath when the exam ended."
Grammar: separable
3 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to stand or move in a way that makes you look larger or more important
"The bird puffed out its feathers to scare away the cat."
Grammar: both
Usage notes
Used literally for cheeks, chests, feathers, and smoke. Can also suggest pride or showy posture.
Commonly used with
cheeks chest smoke breath feathers air
Forms
Base
puff out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
puffs out
he/she/it
Past simple
puffed out
yesterday
Past participle
puffed out
have + pp
-ing form
puffing out
continuous
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Synonyms
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