buffer

1 of 2

noun

buff·​er ˈbə-fər 

plural buffers

1

: any of various devices or pieces of material for reducing shock or damage due to contact

2

: a means or device used as a cushion against the shock of fluctuations in business or financial activity

3

: something that serves as a protective barrier: such as

a

: buffer state

b

: a person who shields another especially from annoying routine matters

c

: mediator sense 1

4

: a substance capable in solution of neutralizing both acids and bases and thereby maintaining the original acidity or basicity of the solution

also : a solution containing such a substance

5

: a section of computer memory for temporarily storing information

especially : one that accepts information at one rate and delivers it at another

The streaming video feed continues to download into the buffer while the computer starts playing the movie.

buffered

ˈbə-fərd 

adjective

buffer

2 of 2

verb

buffered; buffering ˈbə-f(ə-)riŋ  ; buffers

transitive verb

1

: to lessen the shock of : cushion

2

: to treat (something, such as an acid solution) with a buffer

also : to prepare (aspirin) with an antacid

3

: to collect (data) in a buffer

Synonyms of buffer

Noun

• mediator
• negotiator
• intermediary
• broker
• intermediate
• liaison
• ambassador
• peacemaker
• honest broker
• proxy
• middleman

Verb

• soften
• cushion

Examples of buffer in a Sentence

Noun

it took a friend serving as a buffer between the feuding siblings to get them to speak to one another again

the excelsior acts as an additional buffer for the marble bust during shipping

Verb

The trees help buffer the house from the hot summer sun.

The wall buffers the noise of the traffic.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Oil industry executives and analysts say crude prices have remained moderate in comparison to the scale of the disruption due to the buffer provided by global stockpiles. —Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 9 June 2026

Severe erosion in recent years means less sand buffer to safeguard the homes, erosion problems Wedge bodysurfer Sean Starky has been watching the past few years as the ocean inches closer to the homes. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 9 June 2026

Verb

Even simple habits like taking walks outside, spending time with friends, or unplugging from work periodically may help buffer chronic stress. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 2 June 2026

Whether the envelope can adequately buffer wind noise, wildlife sounds, and temperature swings also remain untested. —Bridget Borgobello may 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

buff, verb, to react like a soft body when struck

First Known Use

Noun

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing buffer

• buffer state
• buffer zone

Rhymes for buffer

• duffer
• kafir
• puffer
• rougher
• suffer
• tougher

Kids Definition

buffer

1 of 3 noun

buf·​fer

ˈbəf-ər

1

: a device or material for reducing shock resulting from contact

2

: something that serves as a protective barrier

3

: a substance that in solution can neutralize both acids and bases

4

: a temporary storage unit (as in a computer)

especially : one that accepts information at one rate and delivers it at another

buffer

2 of 3 verb

buffered; buffering

-(ə-)riŋ

1

: to lessen the shock of : cushion

2

: to treat (a solution) with a buffer

also : to prepare (aspirin) with an antacid

3

: to collect (as data) in a buffer

buffer

3 of 3 noun

buff·​er

ˈbəf-ər

: one that buffs

Medical Definition

buffer

1 of 2 noun

buff·​er ˈbəf-ər 

1

: a substance or mixture of substances (as bicarbonates and some proteins in biological fluids) that in solution tends to stabilize the hydrogen-ion concentration by neutralizing within limits both acids and bases

2

: buffer solution

buffer

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to treat (as a solution or its acidity) with a buffer

also : to prepare (aspirin) with an antacid