poof

[ poof, poof ]

/ pʊf, puf /

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Definition of poof

interjection

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

pooh¹ (def. 1).

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!

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Question 1 of 7

“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

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Origin of poof

First recorded in 1815–25

Words nearby poof

poo, pooch, pood, poodle, poodle-faker, poof, poofter, pooh, Pooh Bah, pooh-pooh, pook

Other definitions for poof (2 of 2)

poof²

[ poof, poof ]

/ puf, pʊf /

noun British Slang.

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

Offensive. an effeminate male.

Also pouf; poof·ter

[poof-ter] /ˈpuf tər/ . Sometimes pooff; poove

[poov] /puv/ .

Origin of poof

First recorded in 1840–50; from French pouffe “puff”; see origin at pouf¹

How to use poof in a sentence

You believe that your body can make everything good; just one glimpse of your sculpted, toned beauty and—poof!
Justin Bieber's Abs Cannot Save Him|Tim Teeman|September 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The magic of landing my first role on Broadway went “poof” in a matter of a few weeks.
Uzo Aduba: My Road to ‘Orange Is the New Black’|Uzoamaka Aduba|August 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sure, the initial poof would seem pretty spectacular—car crashes, mothers sobbing over their strollers, that sort of stuff.
‘The Leftovers’ Review: A Fever Dream You Can’t Wake Up From|Andrew Romano|June 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Someone wins an election and, poof, they are a candidate for vice president.
Scott Walker May Be the GOP’s New Darling, but There’s No Way He’ll Be on Romney’s Ticket|Mark McKinnon|June 7, 2012|DAILY BEAST

And poof, the horrifying details of violent forced sex disappear.
A Bleak Day for Rape Victims|Cheryl Thomas|August 23, 2011|DAILY BEAST
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

British derogatory, slang a male homosexual

Derived forms of poof

poofy, adjective

Word Origin for poof

C20: from French pouffe puff

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