Definition of bluff
(Entry 1 of 4)
1a
: having a broad flattened front
a ship with bluff bows
b
: rising steeply with a broad flat or rounded front
the bluff banks of the river
2
: good-naturedly frank and outspoken
a bluff, easygoing fellow
bluff
noun (1)Definition of bluff (Entry 2 of 4)
: a high steep bank : cliff
stood on the bluffs overlooking the ocean
bluff
verb
bluffed; bluffing; bluffs
Definition of bluff (Entry 3 of 4)
1a
: to deter or frighten by pretense or a mere show of strength
bluffed them into surrendering
b
: deceive
bluff her way in without a ticket
c
: feign
The catcher bluffed a throw to first.
2
card games
: to deceive (an opponent) by a bold bet on an inferior hand
was bluffed out of a winning hand
: to bluff someone : act deceptively
You can tell when he is bluffing.
bluff
noun (2)Definition of bluff (Entry 4 of 4)
1a
: a false threat or claim intended to deter or deceive someone : an act or instance of bluffing (see bluff entry 3)
Having … nothing to support his pretensions he decided to put up a bluff.— Sherwood Anderson His boss called his bluff.
b
: the practice of bluffing
The agreement had been reached, after weeks of bluff and haggle … — Time
2
: one who bluffs
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for bluff
The first known use of bluff was in 1627
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