plural puffers
1
: any of a family (Tetraodontidae) of chiefly tropical scaleless marine bony fishes which can distend themselves to a globular form and most of which are highly poisonous : puffer fish
2
: an outerwear garment for the upper body (such as a coat or jacket) that is made of a quilted material filled with down or a synthetic stuffing and that has a puffy appearance
especially
: puffer jacket
This basic puffer provides lightweight, insulated warmth, and it packs down into a small, travel-friendly pouch—no flashy logos or overinflated prices, just a solid jacket. —Jeff Turbett
A selection of base layers, hoodies, puffers, and other outdoor clothing and accessories are all on sale. —Malarie Gokey
Yet this flood of fashion has a downside. … Can you layer a puffer over a suit without looking, well, portly? —Jacob Gallagher
3
: someone or something that puffs
Surrounded by two-pack-a-day cigarette puffers, he was a cigar smoker.—Russell Baker
When it's wet or humid, lubricate sticky locks with a graphite puffer or talcum.—Shannon Lush and Jennifer Fleming
: made from or featuring a quilted material that is filled with down or a synthetic stuffing and that has a puffy appearance
Though the puffer style and high price tag may dissuade you, I think the quality and insulation outweigh these minor drawbacks.—Steven John
These makers seem to be in alignment; the puffer scarf is the practical and stylish answer to frigid weather.—Rachel Besser
… the newest puffy trend we didn't even know existed: the puffer shoe. Yes, you read that right.—Claire Harmeyer
see also puffer jacket
Cite this Entry
“Puffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puffer. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
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