Pronunciation: [pˈʌfs] (IPA) 
The word "puffs" is spelled with two F's, as opposed to "pufs" or "pufffs," because the sound it represents is a voiceless bilabial plosive (putting the lips together tightly and releasing a burst of air), which is signaled by the doubled F. The phonetic transcription for "puffs" is /pʌfs/, with the "u" sound like in "cup" and the "s" sound like in "bus." The word can refer to a light, fluffy pastry or the act of exhaling sharply.
Puffs can have multiple definitions, depending on the context in which the term is used. Here are a few common definitions:
1. Noun: Puffs are small, light, and soft pastries, typically made with cream puff dough and filled with sweet or savory filling. They are often served as a dessert or appetizer.
2. Noun: Puffs can also refer to a type of snack food. These puffs are usually shaped like small balls or cylinders and made from corn, rice, wheat, or other cereals. They are light and airy in texture, often flavored with various seasonings.
3. Noun: In the fashion industry, puffs refer to a style of clothing with large, billowy sleeves that gradually narrow towards the wrist. This design detail adds volume and elegance to garments such as dresses, blouses, or coats.
4. Verb: Puffs can be used as a verb to describe the action of blowing or exhaling a small amount of air audibly or forcefully. For example, when a person puffs on a smoking device like a pipe or cigarette, they draw air in and then blow it out, creating smoke.
5. Verb: Puffs can also be used as a verb to mean inflation or enlargement, such as when a bird or animal puffs up its feathers or a frog puffs up its throat.
In general, puffs are associated with lightness, softness, and slight inflation, whether in the form of food, clothing, or the action of blowing air.
The word "puffs" is derived from the Middle English word "puf", which originated from the Old English word "pyffan". In turn, "pyffan" is believed to have been influenced by the Old Norse word "puffa", meaning "to blow". The etymology of "puffs" indicates a connection with the act of blowing or puffing air, which is often associated with the action or shape of an air-filled swelling.
