tufted

American  

[tuhf-tid] / ˈtʌf tɪd /

adjective

1. furnished or decorated with tufts.

2. formed into or growing in a tuft or tufts.

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tufted British  

/ ˈtʌftɪd /

adjective

1. having a tuft or tufts

2. (of plants or plant parts) having or consisting of one or more groups of short branches all arising at the same level

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Other Word Forms

• untufted
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of tufted

First recorded in 1600–10; tuft + -ed ³

Explanation

Something that's tufted has or is decorated with wispy clusters, like the tufted feathers on a baby bird's head. A tuft is a clump or cluster of something soft and flexible, and the word probably comes from the Old French touffe, "tuft of hair." So things that are tufted have or resemble tufts. There may, for example, be tufted grass growing between the bricks on a sidewalk, or soft, tufted fur on your dog's belly.

Example Sentences

Big Bluestem, Tufted Hairgrass, Chinese silvergrass, and Golden Oats are all recommended, and these ornamental grasses are great for softening hardscapes, edging garden beds, or even creating a bit of privacy in your yard.

From Salon • Aug. 28, 2022

They flitted down from the pecan trees and telephone wires: bold Tufted Titmice, bouncing Northern Cardinals and bullying crowds of White-winged Doves, House Sparrows and European Starlings.

From Scientific American • Mar. 4, 2022

CB2 Holden Tufted Sofa: Brown says the Holden “is a perfect frame for a classic, modern style.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2021

Tufted titmice and other Parids “nest in early spring when the weather is still pretty cold, so being able to keep the nest warm is definitely important,” Dr. Baldassarre said.

From New York Times • Aug. 6, 2021

Tufted annual grass Spear Grass, Poa annua. 40b.

From The Plants of Michigan Simple Keys for the Identification of the Native Seed Plants of the State by Gleason, Henry Allan