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buff¹ Definition

buff (buf)

noun

  1. a heavy, soft, brownish-yellow leather made from the skin of the buffalo or from other animal hides
  2. a military coat made of this leather
    1. a stick or small block covered with leather or cloth, used for cleaning or shining
    2. buffing wheel
  4. a dull brownish yellow
  5. ☆ Informal a devotee or enthusiast, as of a particular area of interest a jazz buff

Etymology: earlier buffe, buffalo < Fr buffle < It bufalo, buffalo

adjective

  1. made of buff
  2. of the color buff
  3. Slang physically, often sexually attractive, as by being pleasingly fit and muscular or having a sexually desirable figure

transitive verb

  1. to clean or shine with a buff or treated cloth
  2. to make smooth or soft like buff
buff¹ Idioms

in the buff

naked; nude
buff² Definition

buff (buf)

noun

a blow

Etymology: ME & OFr buffe: see buffet

transitive verb

to lessen the force of

intransitive verb

to be a buffer
buff Synonyms

buff

modif.

tan, ocher, tawny, brownish yellow; see brown, tan, yellow 1.

in the buff*

naked, nude, bare, unclothed; see naked 1.

buff Synonyms

buff

v.

polish, burnish, brush; see polish, shine 3. See syn. study at polish.

buff Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • avid: An avid film buff, who loves to go to flicks on a regular basis.
  • pale: The auditorium was decorated in tones of warm red sprayed on pale buff.
  • classical: Classical music buffs are among the most enthusiastic about digital radio.
  • literary: It's a useful quick, compact reference for literary buffs.

Modifies a noun

  • facing: The old distinction of velvet facings for regiments of Horse was allowed to continue, with the Bays retaining their buff facings.
  • sandstone: North wall: splayed window; broad two-centred arch in buff sandstone, of Victorian date, into north transept.
  • dressing: Slate and granite rubble stone with plinth, gray buff brick dressings and eaves cornice.
  • envelope: Imagine the annual buff envelope from the town hall containing a check?
  • brick: Small buff bricks, which can only be contemporary with the framing, infill the areas between the timber.
  • slip: Body covered in gray buff slip, now quite dirty.

Modifying Another Word

  • gently: Gently buff the skin with the abrasive side of the sponge using light to moderate pressure - see pictures below.

Noun used with modifier

  • trivia: For the REAL trivia buff, the original choice to play the Cardinal was Kenneth Griffith.
  • nostalgia: The Goodies are not the only act for nostalgia buffs at this year's Fringe.
  • hi-fi: SoundArt products are not for the hi-fi buff, says Curtis.
  • movie: A movie buff may dig playing " Famous Couples.
  • film: Whether we're film buffs or football junkies, or want to follow Big Brother online, we're in a world of choice.
  • opera: Even opera buffs are spoilt for choice, with the English National Opera located in the center of town.

Infinitive complement

  • shine: Apply the wax in a thin coat with a lint free cloth and then carefully buff to shine with a separate lint free material.

Preposition: with

  • brush: Once applied and left to dry it can be buffed with a soft brush.
  • cloth: Let it dry then buff with a clean cloth.