bluff

adjective

\ ˈbləf

Definition of bluff

(Entry 1 of 5)

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 5)

: a high steep bank : cliff stood on the bluffs overlooking the ocean

bluff

verb

bluffed; bluffing; bluffs

Definition of bluff (Entry 3 of 5)

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to bluff someone : act deceptively You can tell when he is bluffing.

bluff

noun (2)

Definition of bluff (Entry 4 of 5)

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

Bluff

geographical name

\ ˈbləf

Definition of Bluff (Entry 5 of 5)

town in southern New Zealand

Note: Bluff serves as the port for the city of Invercargill.

Other Words from bluff Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about bluff

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Choose the Right Synonym for bluff

Adjective

bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner. bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality. a bluff manner blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings. a blunt appraisal brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness. a brusque response curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness. a curt command crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness. a crusty exterior gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness. puts on a gruff pose

Examples of bluff in a Sentence

Adjective

he's a bluff but good-hearted teacher

Verb

She says someone else has made her a higher offer, but I think she's bluffing. Don't listen to his threats—he's just bluffing you. I bluffed my way through the interview.