# huff

/ˈhəf/ (US) · /hˈʌf/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/huff
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a short period of time when you are annoyed or offended by something. You might show this by breathing out loudly or leaving the room suddenly.

For teachers: a state of irritation or annoyance, typically manifested by a display of offended dignity. Often occurs in the fixed phrase 'in a huff'.

## Examples

- He left the room in a huff after losing the game.
- She went off in a huff because nobody had asked for her opinion during the meeting.
- The lead actor retreated to his dressing room in a huff, refusing to return until the director issued a formal apology for the interruption.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the preposition 'in' to describe a temporary emotional state.

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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.