bud

¹bud

noun \ˈbəd\

Definition of BUD

1

: a small lateral or terminal protuberance on the stem of a plant that may develop into a flower, leaf, or shoot

2

: something not yet mature or at full development: as a : an incompletely opened flower b : child, youth c (1) : an outgrowth of an organism that differentiates into a new individual : gemma (2) : an outgrowth having the potential to differentiate and grow into a definitive organ or part : primordium <an embryonic limb bud>

3

: buddy

— in the bud

: in an early stage of development <nipped the rebellion in the bud>

Examples of BUD

1. The bush has plenty of buds but no flowers yet.
2. <that sitcom star is still a bud, so all he needs right now are looks and personality>

Origin of BUD

Middle English budde

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to BUD

Synonyms: bairn [chiefly Scottish], bambino, child, chap [Southern & Midland], chick, cub, juvenile, kid, kiddie (also kiddy), kiddo, moppet, sprat, sprout, squirt, whelp, youngling, youngster, youth

Antonyms: adult, grown-up

Related Words: adolescent, minor; kindergartner (also kindergartener), preschooler, rug rat [slang], schoolboy, schoolchild, schoolgirl, schoolkid; babe, baby, bantling, infant, neonate, nestling, newborn, toddler, tot, tyke (also tike), weanling; brat, devil, hellion, imp, jackanapes, mischief, monkey, rapscallion, rascal, rogue, urchin, whippersnapper; cherub; preteen, preteen-ager, subteen, teen, teenager, teener, teenybopper, tween; lad, nipper, shaver, stripling, tad; bobby-soxer, hoyden, tomboy

Near Antonyms: middle-ager; ancient, elder, golden-ager, oldster, old-timer, senior, senior citizen

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Rhymes with BUD

blood, crud, cud, dud, flood, fud, mud, rudd, scud, spud, stud, sudd, thud