stuffier; stuffiest
Synonyms of stuffynext
1
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 adverb
stuffiness noun

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.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, dust allergy symptoms include sneezing; runny or stuffy nose; itching; wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath; and red, itchy, or teary eyes. Sunshine Flint, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026 Symptoms of the Cicada variant are similar to other COVID-19 infections and can include runny or stuffy nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat, coughing and changes to sense of smell or taste. Mike Stunson, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026 John Houseman tippy toes briefly as a dry old bean and stuffy grammarian, emblematic of the stultified staff at Fox’s magazine of employment; unfortunately, Houseman’s marvelously fussy presence is only one of the film’s intermittent garnishes, most of which are never developed and never pay off. Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026 Who knew a stuffy academic mixer would be such a hotbed of flirtation! Erin Qualey, Vulture, 30 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

stuffy

adjective
stuffier; stuffiest
1
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
stuffily adverb
stuffiness noun

Medical Definition

stuffy

adjective
stuffier; stuffiest
: affected with congestion
a stuffy nose
stuffiness noun

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