buffet

1 of 4

noun (1)

buf·​fet ˈbə-fət 

1

: a blow especially with the hand

2

: something that strikes with telling force

buffet

2 of 4

verb

buf·​fet ˈbə-fət 

buffeted; buffeting; buffets

transitive verb

1

: to strike sharply especially with the hand : cuff

2

: to strike repeatedly : batter

the waves buffeted the shore

3

: to drive, force, move, or attack by or as if by repeated blows

schools being buffeted by budget cuts

intransitive verb

: to make one's way especially under difficult conditions

buffet

3 of 4

noun (2)

buf·​fet (ˌ)bə-ˈfā  bü-ˈfā 

 British especially  ˈbü-ˌfā

plural buffets

1

furniture : sideboard sense 1

2

a

: a counter for refreshments

went back to the buffet for a second helping

b

chiefly British : a restaurant operated as a public convenience (as in a railway station)

c

: a meal set out on a buffet or table for ready access and informal service

a restaurant that offers a breakfast buffet

3

: an assortment of options or offerings : variety

Once you're up there among the clouds, you'll have a buffet of skiing options.

—Brad Wetzler

buffet

4 of 4

adjective

buf·​fet (ˌ)bə-ˈfā  bü-ˈfā 

 British especially  ˈbü-ˌfā

: served informally especially as a buffet (see buffet entry 3 sense 2c)

a buffet meal

buffet luncheons

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• swipe
• blow
• punch
• hit
• stroke
• thump
• knock
• thud
• pound
• slap
• whack
• slam
• lick
• bang
• poke
• smack
• spank
• beat
• clip

Verb

• lick
• pound
• hide
• lash
• attack
• assault
• whip
• batter
• club
• beat
• hit
• pelt
• knock
• do
• punch
• curry
• slam
• bat
• box
• punch out
• smash
• slate
• bash
• slap
• thump

Noun (2)

• cabinet
• cupboard
• locker
• closet
• sideboard
• dresser

Examples of buffet in a Sentence

Noun (1)

delivered a powerful buffet to the side of the prisoner's head

Verb

The strong winds buffeted the ship.

fierce winds buffeted the small sailboat

Noun (2)

a buffet completed the kitchen set

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Plentiful buffet selections were replaced by what was leftover after many perishables were discarded. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 25 June 2025

Langham guests in certain suite categories have complimentary access to this exclusive lounge, featuring a full breakfast buffet and complimentary light snacks and beverages (soft drinks and alcohol) throughout the day that will please any palate. —Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

Verb

Prior to Israel’s recent attacks on Iran, energy prices and supplies were buffeted by the continuing war between Ukraine and Russia. —Daniel Markind, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

In 1950, Col. McCormick and President Truman were buffeted by different combinations of waves breaking and backwashing. —Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025

Adjective

Customers can expect to see non-buffet-style food options, and social distancing will likely require a reduction in the number of people allowed in the usually crowded lounges. —Julian Kheel, CNN Underscored, 1 June 2020

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, diminutive of buffe blow

Verb

Middle English buffeten, verbal derivative of buffet buffet entry 1

Noun (2)

borrowed from French, going back to Old French, "stool, table, counter," of uncertain origin

Adjective

adjective derivative of buffet entry 3

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1898, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing buffet

• buffet car

Kids Definition

buffet

1 of 3 noun

buf·​fet ˈbəf-ət 

: a blow especially with the hand

buffet

2 of 3 verb

: to pound repeatedly : batter

buffet

3 of 3 noun

buf·​fet (ˌ)bə-ˈfā  bü-ˈfā 

ˈbü-ˌfā

1

: sideboard

2

: a meal set out on a sideboard, table, or countertop for guests to serve themselves

Etymology

Noun

Middle English buffet "a blow with the hand," derived from early French buffe "a blow"

Noun

French