What does the phrasal verb “fluff out” mean?

What are the definitions of “fluff out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Shake or pat a cushion so that it fills with air.

  She FLUFFED OUT the sofa cushions.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fluff out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fluff out is to shake or pat a cushion, pillow, or other soft object so that it fills with air and becomes fuller or more comfortable. This action helps to restore the shape and softness of the item.

What are the different verb forms of “fluff out”?

Root Verb	fluff out
Third Person Singular Present	fluffs out
Present Participle	fluffing out
Simple Past	fluffed out
Past Participle	fluffed out

Example

I always fluff out the pillows before going to bed.

Example

She fluffs out the cushions on the couch every morning.

Example

He is fluffing out the pillows to make the bed look nice.

Example

Yesterday, they fluffed out all the cushions in the living room.

Example

The pillows had been fluffed out and arranged neatly on the bed.

What kind of phrasal verb is “fluff out”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“fluff out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She fluffed out the sofa cushions.

Example

He fluffed the pillows out before going to bed.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“fluff out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She fluffed out the sofa cushions.

Example

He fluffed the pillows out before going to bed.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fluff out”?

Fluff out one's hair

To shake or run fingers through one's hair to give it more volume or a fuller appearance.

Example

She fluffed out her hair before taking a selfie.

Fluff out a dress or skirt

To shake or adjust a dress or skirt to make it look fuller or more attractive.

Example

She fluffed out her dress before walking down the aisle.

Fluff out a pet's fur

To brush or comb a pet's fur to make it look fuller or fluffier.

Example

He fluffed out his dog's fur after giving it a bath.

Good things to know

Does “fluff out” have an informal or formal tone?

Fluff out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “fluff out”?

Synonyms

• aerate
• loosen
• plump up
• puff up
• shake out

Antonyms

• flatten
• deflate
• compress
• squash
• press down