buffet

noun (1)

buf·fet | \ ˈbə-fət

Definition of buffet

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : a blow especially with the hand

2 : something that strikes with telling force

buffet

verb

buf·fet | \ ˈbə-fət

buffeted; buffeting; buffets

Definition of buffet (Entry 2 of 4)

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

noun (2)

buf·fet | \ (ˌ)bə-ˈfā

, bü-ˈfā, British especially ˈbü-ˌfā

plural buffets

Definition of buffet (Entry 3 of 4)

1 furniture : sideboard sense 1

2a : 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

adjective

buf·fet | \ (ˌ)bə-ˈfā

, bü-ˈfā, British especially ˈbü-ˌfā

Definition of buffet (Entry 4 of 4)

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

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Examples of buffet in a Sentence

Verb

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

First Known Use of buffet

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

History and Etymology for buffet

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

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Time Traveler for buffet

The first known use of buffet was in the 13th century

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More Definitions for buffet

buffet

verb

English Language Learners Definition of buffet

: to hit (something) with great force many times

See the full definition for buffet in the English Language Learners Dictionary

buffet

verb

buf·fet | \ ˈbə-fət

buffeted; buffeting

Kids Definition of buffet

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

buffet

noun

buf·fet | \ ˌbə-ˈfā

, bü-\

Kids Definition of buffet (Entry 2 of 2)

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

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buffet

Definition of buffet

Synonyms for buffet

Examples of buffet in a Sentence

First Known Use of buffet

History and Etymology for buffet

Learn More about buffet

Dictionary Entries near buffet

Statistics for buffet

The first known use of buffet was in the 13th century

English Language Learners Definition of buffet