buckskin

noun, often attributive buck·skin \ -ˌskin \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of buckskin

1 a : the skin of a buck

b : a soft pliable usually suede-finished leather

2 a buckskins plural : buckskin breeches

b archaic : a person dressed in buckskin; especially : an early American backwoodsman

3 : a horse of a light yellowish-dun color with black mane and tail

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Recent Examples of buckskin from the Web

The Warrior, portrayed by a student, wears a fringed, buckskin-like costume that includes a headdress adorned with feathers of pale blue, one of Maine West’s school colors.

— john keilman, chicagotribune.com, "Maine West High School re-examining American Indian mascot after social media criticism," 6 Apr. 2018
The buckskin that will clothe him in the future must be protected from moths with the stink-glands of a skunk.

— The Economist, "Free exchangeWhy sub-zero interest rates are neither unfair nor unnatural," 3 Feb. 2018
Before the Beatles, there was the 1950s and wholesome All-American Boone with his perfectly coiffed hair, white suede buckskin shoes, fetching smile and a smooth voice that made millions of teenage girls, and likely their mothers, swoon.

— rosemarie dowell, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Legendary crooner Pat Boone to perform at Orange Blossom Opry," 19 Jan. 2018
The university doesn't endorse the continuation of a student dressed in buckskin regalia, a headdress and war paint.

— shannon ryan, chicagotribune.com, "Rip off the Band-Aid. Illinois must finally remove all links to Chief Illiniwek.," 25 Aug. 2017
Nearby, Stanley Beug was dressed in a fringed buckskin jacket and was carrying a replica of a Winchester Model 1873 rifle, similar to those used in Cody’s Wild West show.

— tom mcghee, The Denver Post, "Buffalo Bill Museum holds birthday party for the frontiersman," 26 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'buckskin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of buckskin

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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BUCKSKIN Defined for English Language Learners

buckskin

noun

Definition of buckskin for English Language Learners

: a soft type of leather that is made especially from the skin of a deer or similar animal

BUCKSKIN Defined for Kids

buckskin

noun buck·skin \ ˈbək-ˌskin \

Definition of buckskin for Students

: a soft flexible leather usually having a suede finish

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See words that rhyme with buckskin Spanish Central: Translation of buckskin Nglish: Translation of buckskin for Spanish speakers

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buckskin

Definition of buckskin

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First Known Use of buckskin

BUCKSKIN Defined for English Language Learners

buckskin

Definition of buckskin for English Language Learners

BUCKSKIN Defined for Kids

buckskin

Definition of buckskin for Students

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buckskin

Definition of buckskin

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buckskin

Definition of buckskin for English Language Learners

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buckskin

Definition of buckskin for Students

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