pouf
UK[pʊf]US[pʊf]
n
A soft, low cushioned seat or footstool, often cylindrical or round in shape.
n
A gathered puff of fabric, as on a garment or hairstyle.
Etymology
The word 'pouf' entered English in the late 18th century as a direct borrowing from the French word 'pouf', which was an onomatopoeic term imitating the sound of a puff of air or a soft impact. This French term likely originated from the Old French verb 'pouffer', meaning "to puff out" or "to burst out laughing," which itself was imitative in origin. The semantic journey connects the sound of a soft puff to the visual and tactile impression of a plump, cushioned seat or a gathered mass of fabric, perfectly capturing its essence. Its use in fashion and furniture reflects the French influence on these domains in English culture.
Analysis
This word is a direct loanword from French. It is not productively segmented into smaller, meaningful morphemes in English.
Examples
She added a velvet pouf to the living room for extra seating.
Her hair was styled in an elegant pouf at the back of her head.
He propped his feet up on the leather pouf while reading.