Meaning of buff in English

1. Pronunciation

   /bəf/

   US accent

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   UK accent

   How to pronounce buff in British English, in context ▾
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1. Verb

   buff

   Definitions

   1. strike, beat repeatedly

   Examples

   • « The wind buffeted him »
2. 2. polish and make shiny

   Examples

   • « buff the wooden floors »
   • « buff my shoes »

3. Classifying Adjective

   buff

   Definitions

   1. of the color of buff leather

   Synonyms

   • chromatic

4. Noun

   buff

   Etymology

   mid 16th century: probably from French buffle, from Italian bufalo, from late Latin bufalus (see buffalo). The original sense in English was ‘buffalo’, later ‘oxhide’ or ‘color of oxhide’

   Definitions

   1. an ardent follower and admirer
5. 2. a soft thick undyed leather from the skins of e.g. buffalo or oxen
6. 3. bare skin

   Examples

   • « swimming in the buff »
7. 4. a medium to dark tan color
8. 5. an implement consisting of soft material mounted on a block

   Examples

   • « used for polishing (as in manicuring) »