# poof

/ˈpuf/ (US) · /pˈuːf/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/poof
Updated: 2026-06-22

## Definition

a sound that something makes when it disappears or explodes. It is often used in stories to show that a person or object has vanished into thin air.

For teachers: a sound associated with the sudden disappearance or explosion of an object. Often used in a literary or comedic context to indicate a magical vanishing act.

## Examples

- The magician made the rabbit disappear with a loud poof.
- With a sudden poof of smoke, the illusionist vanished from the center of the stage.
- The cartoon character would often escape from his pursuers by turning into a cloud of smoke with a dramatic poof, leaving only a small hat behind.

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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.