# fluff up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fluff-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to shake or pat something soft, like a pillow or your hair, so it looks full and light again.

For teachers: to make something soft or fibrous more voluminous by shaking, patting, or loosening the material.

## Examples

- She fluffs up the pillows every morning.
- The bird fluffed up its feathers to stay warm in the cold wind.
- Before the guests arrived, the decorator took a moment to fluff up the cushions and straighten the silk throws.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He fluffed up it before sleeping." but "He fluffed it up before sleeping." — when using a pronoun like 'it', it must go between the verb and the particle in this optional separable phrasal verb.

## Usage notes

- usually used with soft objects like pillows, cushions, hair, or feathers.
- Teaching tip: this is a great example of a phrasal verb where the particle 'up' indicates an increase in volume or size; contrast with 'flatten' or 'squash'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.