1
: a garment (such as a uniform) made of buff leather
2
: the state of being nude
sunbathing in the buff
3
a
: a moderate orange yellow
b
: a light to moderate yellow
4
: a device having a soft absorbent surface (as of cloth) by which polishing material is applied
5
[earlier buff an enthusiast about going to fires; perhaps from the buff overcoats worn by volunteer firefighters in New York City about 1820] : fan, enthusiast

buff

2 of 3

adjective

1
: of the color buff
2
or buffed : having a physique enhanced by bodybuilding exercises

buff

3 of 3

verb

buffed; buffing; buffs

transitive verb

1
: polish, shine
waxed and buffed the floor
2
: to give a velvety surface to (leather)

Examples of buff in a Sentence

Noun he's such a film buff that he owns over 3,000 movies protected by a fully enclosed backyard, the couple would frequently sunbathe in the buff Adjective
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Notably, recent addition Human Torch benefits from a couple of buffs, gaining boosts to the DPS of his primary attack and ultimate. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 History buffs will enjoy the battle-site landmarks, picturesque churches, and famous 1872 St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, while beachgoers can relax in the sun. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
The Chanel Le Vernis Ballerina shade is an elevated take on a basic buff manicure — providing a glossy sheen that straddles the line between sophisticated and lighthearted. Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 11 Dec. 2024 But the magic of Christmas is found in the unexplained, not in watching a buff Santa rappelling into all the world’s chimneys. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 13 Nov. 2024
Verb
If the copper is heavily tarnished, let the toothpaste's active ingredients work on the patina for ten minutes or so before buffing. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2025 And while many sticks can be a pain to blend, this does so with ease—buffing out in seconds to reveal a natural, skin-like finish. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for buff

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French buffle wild ox, from Old Italian bufalo

First Known Use

Noun

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of buff was in 1570

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buff. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: an orange yellow
2
: a device with a soft absorbent surface (as of cloth) for applying polishing material
3
: fan entry 3, enthusiast
a tennis buff

buff

2 of 3 adjective
: of the color buff

buff

3 of 3 verb
: to polish with or as if with a buff

More from Merriam-Webster on buff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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