buff

noun

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\ ˈbəf

Definition of buff

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a garment (such as a uniform) made of buff leather

2 : the state of being nude sunbathing in the buff

3a : 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

buff

adjective

Definition of buff (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : of the color buff

2 or buffed \ ˈbəft

\ : having a physique enhanced by bodybuilding exercises

buff

verb

buffed; buffing; buffs

Definition of buff (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : polish, shine waxed and buffed the floor

2 : to give a velvety surface to (leather)

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about buff

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Synonyms & Antonyms for buff

Synonyms: Noun

Synonyms: Verb

Antonyms: Noun

nonfan

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: Noun Like your face, the rest of your body needs a regular buff and polish to keep your skin glowing to its maximum potential. — Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, "Question: How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face?," 22 Feb. 2021 The fake photo can trap you into sending money or even a real photo in the buff. — Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, "There's a nude photo scam going around — and it's as bad as it sounds," 11 Feb. 2021 Sunglasses or goggles and a buff, neckwear that can be pulled up over the mouth and nose, help protect the face. — Kelly Dinardo, New York Times, "Stay Healthy When Exercising Outdoors," 6 Feb. 2021 Wear an actual face mask, not a super-breathable buff. — Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, "Hitting The Slopes During The Pandemic? Read This First," 18 Dec. 2020 An even younger history buff, 6-year-old Imri Elya, chanced upon a Canaanite tablet while hiking with his family in southern Israel. — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, "Ninety Fascinating Finds Revealed in 2020," 29 Dec. 2020 Incorporate shades of buff to a collection of soft shades—from seafoam and lavender to rosewater and buttercup. — Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Introducing: The Most Daring Color Palettes for Spring Weddings," 13 Jan. 2021 For the husband who's a movie buff: An incredible smart TV Convert that extra space in the basement or garage into his personal screening room with one of the best TVs of 2020. — Nick Morton, USA TODAY, "40 unique and romantic gifts for all types of husbands," 28 Oct. 2020 For the fitness buff, this smartwatch features 16 main functions, including activity tracking, sleep monitor, blood pressure monitor, message and call notification, and an alarm. — Popular Science, "10 stocking stuffers ideas that won’t disappoint," 11 Dec. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective This year’s event was relatively subdued, more of an informal, spontaneous gathering with just a few in-the-buff cyclists joining the families, lookie-loos and plunge participants on the beach before noon. — Jill Tucker, SFChronicle.com, "Hundreds in S.F. plunge into 2021 with Pacific Ocean dip, clothed or otherwise," 1 Jan. 2021 What a buff move for a man who has had a pretty amazing 2020, despite the pandemic. — Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, "Opinion: Patrick Mahomes adds layers to definition of what it means to be an 'impact' player," 7 Nov. 2020 Sorry to be blunt, but is a guy whose buff photos are highlighted on TMZ going to be looking for love on Facebook? — Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, "South Haven model shows a different side of romance scams," 11 Nov. 2020 And all of the figures have festive treatments like this; the range trooper is in a buff Santa suit, the clone trooper gets red body armor and the snowtrooper gets a Santa-themed helmet. — Jacob Krol, CNN Underscored, "Hasbro unveils new ‘Mandalorian’ and holiday-themed ‘Star Wars’ figures," 25 Sep. 2020 While the defense looks buff with its bevy of playmakers, the bigger questions are with the offensive unit that used to carry the team. — Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, "Opinion: Ben Roethlisberger's comeback will make or break Steelers' season," 20 Aug. 2020 The depictions may even parallel art decorating Kushan coins, which also feature the buff bovines. — Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian Magazine, "After 30 Years, Looted Kushan Bull Sculpture Will Return to Afghanistan’s Kabul Museum," 23 Jan. 2020 Not to mention those history buff dads looking to learn more about Oklahoma, Black cowboys, underdog baseball teams, or World War II. — Shannon Carlin, refinery29.com, "24 Books That Dad Will Love For Father’s Day (& Every Day After)," 20 June 2020 The visible vying carried over offscreen to which actor had the buffest body in the movie's mostly shirtless, now legendary beach volleyball game. — Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, "Whose bod was best in 'Top Gun's shirtless volleyball game? Rick Rossovich claims he beat out Val Kilmer," 13 May 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Rinse in warm water and buff with a clean, dry cloth to shine. — Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "How to Properly Clean Silver at Home, No Matter How Heavily Tarnished It May Be," 21 Jan. 2021 When the final coat has dried at least 24 hours, buff it out with 4/0 steel wool or an extra-fine Scotchbrite pad to remove dust nibs and even out the finish. — Neal Barrett, Popular Mechanics, "Make a Kitchen Table That Will Last Generations," 14 Nov. 2020 The next morning, wipe off the excess and buff the oils out. — Sara Rodrigues, House Beautiful, "How to Remove Water Stains from Wood," 28 Dec. 2020 Body scrubs are considered the unsung heroes of the shower routine: Experts say scrubs help buff off dead skin that soap and water wouldn't remove otherwise. — Aimee Simeon, refinery29.com, "Cheap Body Scrubs Are The Most Affordable TikTok Beauty Trend," 2 Dec. 2020 Follow up that primer with paint and clearcoat, then buff to blend the finishes. — Ben Wojdyla, Popular Mechanics, "How to Prevent and Remove Rust on Your Car Like a Pro," 8 Sep. 2020 Also take care to buff off any cleaning residue that might linger on top of floors and give them a cloudy look. — Sarah Baird, House Beautiful, "Squeaky Clean," 14 Sep. 2020 The assembly plant has had to buff and clean each vehicle before shipping them out to dealers. — Dom Difurio, Dallas News, "Mayflies taint launch of GM’s most profitable new line of vehicles in Arlington," 2 Sep. 2020 Contains fine grains to gently buff away dry, uneven skin. — Jennifer Blair, chicagotribune.com, "The best body scrub," 22 Aug. 2020

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