buffet

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noun buf·fet \ˈbə-fət\

Definition of buffet

1 : a blow especially with the hand
2 : something that strikes with telling force

Origin and Etymology of buffet

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

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First Known Use: 13th century

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buffet

verb buf·fet

Definition of buffet

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

See buffet defined for English-language learners

Examples of buffet in a Sentence

The strong winds buffeted the ship.
fierce winds buffeted the small sailboat

Origin and Etymology of buffet

Middle English buffeten, verbal derivative of buffet ¹buffet

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First Known Use: 13th century

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buffet

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noun buf·fet \(ˌ)bə-ˈfā, bü-ˈ, British especially ˈbü-ˌ\

Definition of buffet

1 furniture : sideboard 1
2a : a counter for refreshments went back to the buffet for a second helpingb 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

Origin and Etymology of buffet

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

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First Known Use: 1707

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Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

buffet

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adjective buf·fet \same as ³buffet\

Definition of buffet

: served informally especially as a buffet (see ³buffet 2c) a buffet meal buffet luncheons

Origin and Etymology of buffet

adjective derivative of ³buffet

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First Known Use: 1898

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BUFFET Defined for English Language Learners

buffet

verb

Definition of buffet for English Language Learners

: to hit (something) with great force many times

BUFFET Defined for Kids

buffet

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verb buf·fet \ˈbə-fət\

Definition of buffet for Students

buffeted

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buffeting

: to pound repeatedly : batter Waves buffeted our little boat.

buffet

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noun buf·fet \ˌbə-ˈfā, bü-\

Definition of buffet for Students

1 : a cabinet or set of shelves for the display of dishes and silver : sideboard
2 : a meal set out on a buffet or table from which people may serve themselves