stuffy

adjective

ˈstə-fē How to pronounce stuffy (audio)
stuffier; stuffiest
Synonyms of stuffynext
1
: ill-natured, ill-humored
2
: lacking in vitality or interest : stodgy, dull
3
a
: oppressive to the breathing : close
a stuffy room
b
: stuffed up
a stuffy nose
4
a
: narrowly inflexible in standards of conduct : self-righteous
b
: stiffly conventional : priggish
stuffy formalities
stuffily
ˈstə-fə-lē How to pronounce stuffy (audio)
adverb
stuffiness
ˈstə-fē-nəs How to pronounce stuffy (audio)
noun

Synonyms of stuffy

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Examples of stuffy in a Sentence

It's very stuffy in here. She had a stuffy nose. I had a stuffy feeling in my head. the stuffiest members of that exclusive club
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Made from a quick-drying, breathable nylon fabric, these pants wick away sweat on a stuffy airplane or long hike. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026 Elevated basics like these make any outfit look more done-up without feeling stuffy. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 3 July 2026 If rooms that once cooled quickly now feel stuffy or unevenly cooled, your system may be struggling to circulate air properly. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 Unfortunately, while there are presumably less diverting ways to spend close to two hours in a stuffy, packed multiplex, the movie is a preachy, one-note affair. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stuffy

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stuffy was in 1798

Rhymes for stuffy

See All Rhymes for stuffy

Browse Nearby Words

stuff the ballot box
stuffy
stuggy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stuffy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stuffy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stuffy

adjective
ˈstəf-ē How to pronounce stuffy (audio)
stuffier; stuffiest
1
: sullen sense 1, ill-humored
2
a
: lacking fresh air
a stuffy room
b
: stuffed or choked up
had a stuffy feeling in my head
3
: lacking in pep or interest : dull, stodgy
4
: self-righteous
stuffily
ˈstəf-ə-lē How to pronounce stuffy (audio)
adverb
stuffiness
ˈstəf-ē-nəs How to pronounce stuffy (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

stuffy

adjective
ˈstəf-ē How to pronounce stuffy (audio)
stuffier; stuffiest
: affected with congestion
a stuffy nose
stuffiness
ˈstəf-ē-nəs How to pronounce stuffy (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on stuffy

Nglish: Translation of stuffy for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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