cuff

1 of 4

noun (1)

1
: something (such as a part of a sleeve or glove) encircling the wrist
2
: the turned-back hem of a trouser leg
3
a
: handcuff
usually used in plural
b
: a usually wide metal band worn as a bracelet
4
: an inflatable band that is wrapped around an extremity to control the flow of blood through the part when recording blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer
cuffless adjective

cuff

2 of 4

verb (1)

cuffed; cuffing; cuffs

transitive verb

1
: to furnish with a cuff
2

cuff

3 of 4

verb (2)

cuffed; cuffing; cuffs

transitive verb

: to strike especially with or as if with the palm of the hand : buffet

cuff

4 of 4

noun (2)

: a blow with the hand especially when open : slap
Phrases
off the cuff
: without preparation : ad lib
speaking off the cuff
on the cuff
: on credit
transacting business on the cuff

Examples of cuff in a Sentence

Noun (1) the mama cat would give her kittens a cuff with a paw whenever they played too rough Noun (2) the policeman snapped the cuffs on and led the prisoner away to the car
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
Some leaders prefer to see everything written out in advance of the meeting, others want to learn information off the cuff. Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 For extra flair, the sleeve cuffs are rolled, creating an intriguing cap-sleeve effect that's perfect for warmer temperatures. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
Try an On-Trend Style: cuffed wide-leg and barrel-leg jeans are popular right now. Jane Hanson, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 Several people in the club were also cuffed on outstanding arrest warrants. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cuff

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English coffe, cuffe mitten

Verb (2)

perhaps from obsolete English, glove, from Middle English

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1530, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (2)

1570, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cuff was in 1522

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuff. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

cuff

1 of 3 noun
1
: a part of a sleeve or glove that goes around the wrist
2
: the turned-back hem of a trouser leg
3
: a band that is capable of being inflated and is wrapped around an arm or leg to control the flow of blood through the part when measuring blood pressure

cuff

2 of 3 verb
: to strike with or as if with the palm of the hand

cuff

3 of 3 noun
: a blow with the hand especially when open : slap

Medical Definition

cuff

noun
1
: an inflatable band that is wrapped around an extremity to control the flow of blood through the part when recording blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer
2
: an anatomical structure shaped like a cuff
especially : rotator cuff
repair of complete shoulder cuff avulsion Physicians' Current Procedural Terminology

More from Merriam-Webster on cuff

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