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
1
: of the color buff
2
or buffed
: having a physique enhanced by bodybuilding exercises
buffed; buffing; buffs
2
: to give a velvety surface to (leather)
Synonyms
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
He's at the gym every day trying to get buff.
the buff body of an athlete
Verb
The floors are waxed and buffed every year.
She is going to the salon to get her nails buffed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lizz Schumer, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
For history buffs, foodies, or travel lovers, White offers engaging insights into how wine intersects with culture, geography, and cuisine.
—Jessica Dupuy, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
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
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2024
Compact yet powerful, this nail drill boasts a 20,000 RPM rotary motor that’s adjustable to all your nail care needs: shaping, buffing, grinding, polishing, and cuticle-ling (should be a word).
—WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for buff 
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Noun
Thoroughly engrossing and a must-read for history buffs.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
For history buffs, foodies, or travel lovers, White offers engaging insights into how wine intersects with culture, geography, and cuisine.
—Jessica Dupuy, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
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
Buff the Bag After applying the leather cleaner, use a soft, light-colored cloth to wipe away any residue and buff the bag.
4.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2024
Compact yet powerful, this nail drill boasts a 20,000 RPM rotary motor that’s adjustable to all your nail care needs: shaping, buffing, grinding, polishing, and cuticle-ling (should be a word).
—WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for buff
Dictionary Entries Near buff
Cite this Entry
“Buff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buff. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
buff
1 of 3 noun1
: 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
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