What does tufty mean?
Tufty is an adjective meaning covered with, full of, or shaped like tufts, or small bunches. The word is especially evocative when describing vegetation, hair, beards, feathers, or fabrics, as in “tufty grass” and “a tufty beard.” It suggests texture as well as shape: the thing described looks irregular, clustered, and slightly rustic rather than smooth or evenly arranged. Tufty occurs in both British and American English, but it is chiefly a literary or poetic word and is unlikely to appear much in ordinary conversation. Its uncommon character gives it a picturesque quality, making it useful for descriptions that call attention to soft, tangled, or projecting tufts. The related noun “tuft” denotes the bunch itself, while the adjective “tufty” explains what something looks like when covered or formed with such bunches.
adjectiveHaving, covered with, or resembling tufts; tufted.
- Having, covered with, or resembling tufts.
"A tufty beard softened his otherwise stern expression."
"Tufty grass grew thickly along the riverbank."
"The old wizard's tufty cloak looked as though it had been woven from feathers."
Tufty captures the distinctive look of anything growing or gathered in lively little tufts.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of tufty
Tufty is an English formation from the noun “tuft” with the adjective-forming suffix -y, meaning “having the nature of” or “marked by.” The related English word “tuft” is recorded from the Middle English period and came through Old French from a Germanic source. English “tufty” was in use by the early 17th century, while related forms such as Dutch toef and German Zopf also refer to tufts or braided locks of hair.
How tufty is actually used
Literary and poetic rather than everyday. It is especially associated with hair, beards, grass, foliage, and other things that grow or stand out in bunches.
Easily confused with tufty
A tuft is a cluster or bunch of hair, feathers, grass, or similar material, whereas tufty is an adjective describing something covered with or resembling such clusters.