Tufty

Tufty describes something characterized by small, often irregular, clusters or clumps, typically of a soft material like grass, hair, or feathers. It suggests a texture that is not smooth or uniform, but rather uneven and textured. The term evokes a visual image of multiple raised or protruding points. 'Tufty' can be applied to both natural and artificial objects. The word emphasizes the density and arrangement of these small clusters, making them a prominent feature of the described entity. It often conveys a sense of slight irregularity or wildness, though it can also be used to describe something decorative or carefully crafted. The overall effect can range from charming and natural to slightly unkempt, depending on the context.

Tufty meaning with examples

• The meadow was covered in a tufty carpet of wildflowers, their delicate blooms bobbing in the gentle breeze. Each flower head was a vibrant splash of color, adding to the picturesque scene. The texture of the field underfoot was soft and yielding, a testament to the density of the plant life. I could see the tufty textures from the hills with the sun catching the tips of the flowers.
• The old, dilapidated sofa had tufty patches of worn fabric where the stuffing was beginning to peek through. It was clear this had seen better days, with exposed stuffing in small areas. Despite its aged appearance, it was still in use. This provided character to the room and the tufty patches told stories of use and time spent in the house. This sofa was still comfortable, and the tufty patches provided extra character to it.
• Her hair, styled after a windswept look, appeared charmingly tufty around her face, creating a playful, soft effect. The stylist had clearly worked to achieve this look, and it perfectly complemented her features. Strands of her hair were uneven. This hairstyle helped showcase her beauty, and its imperfections really worked.
• The artist sculpted a stylized cloud, achieving a tufty appearance by building up layers of clay, creating a textured and engaging surface. The artist took great care to design the clay cloud. These small layers and clusters brought this cloud to life. The resulting work was very tactile and visually engaging.
• A flock of birds were settling upon the power lines and some of their feathers appeared tufty when the wind rustled through them. The feathers danced in the breeze, adding life to the scene. I loved this view of the tufty birds resting on the wires, it was perfect.