buffer

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

• soften
• cushion

Examples of buffer in a Sentence

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

The wall buffers the noise of the traffic.

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Commitment to the greater good buffered the AI aversion. —Melissa A. Wheeler, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Potential measures include design modifications informed by microclimate modeling, greenbelts or parks to buffer heat discharge, and city-level permitting requirements that account for local heat impact, according to the press release. —Deena Theresa, Interesting Engineering, 18 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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