buffo

noun

buf·​fo ˈbü-(ˌ)fō How to pronounce buffo (audio)
plural buffi ˈbü-(ˌ)fē How to pronounce buffo (audio) or buffos
: clown, buffoon
specifically : a male singer of comic roles in opera

Examples of buffo in a Sentence

in the comic opera, the buffo shared his entrance aria with a grimacing mime
Recent Examples on the Web Instead of the buffo landlord Benoit coming for the rent, the four Bohemians impersonate him themselves in a skit that was a little beyond the L.A. cast’s comic skills. Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2019 Alessandro Corbelli brought seasoned basso-buffo authority to the manipulative Alfonso. John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, 18 Feb. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'buffo.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from buffone

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buffo was in 1764

Dictionary Entries Near buffo

Cite this Entry

“Buffo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buffo. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!