1 A2 neutral
To shake or pat a pillow, cushion, or similar object to restore its soft, full shape.
"Before the guests arrived, she quickly fluffed up the sofa cushions."
separable
fluff up
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To shake or pat something soft in order to make it fuller, softer, or more comfortable.
In plain English
Make something soft (like a pillow or feathers) bigger and fluffier by shaking or patting it.
What does "fluff up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
Of a bird or animal, to raise and spread feathers or fur to appear larger or to retain warmth.
"The cat fluffed up its tail when it spotted the dog across the garden."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To make something seem more impressive, interesting, or substantial than it really is.
"He fluffed up his CV by exaggerating his responsibilities at his last job."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To shake something fluffy upward so it rises and expands — quite literal.
Actually means
Make something soft (like a pillow or feathers) bigger and fluffier by shaking or patting it.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday domestic contexts — fluffing up pillows, cushions, or duvets. Also used for animals ruffling their feathers or fur. Occasionally used informally to mean making something more impressive or appealing.
Words that pair with "fluff up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pillow cushion feathers fur hair duvet
How to conjugate "fluff up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fluff up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fluffs up
he/she/it
Past simple
fluffed up
yesterday
Past participle
fluffed up
have + pp
-ing form
fluffing up
continuous
Hear "fluff up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fluff up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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