buff

verb

buffed; buffing; buffs

transitive verb

1

: polish, shine

waxed and buffed the floor

2

: to give a velvety surface to (leather)

Synonyms of buff

• rub
• polish
• sand
• file

Examples of buff in a Sentence

The floors are waxed and buffed every year.

She is going to the salon to get her nails buffed.

Recent Examples on the Web

This will help buff it in and prevent streaks and smudges. —Deanna Pai, Glamour, 6 June 2026

This Salts of the Earth option instantly buffs dead, dry skin for shorts season. —Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 1 June 2026

To remove them, use an eraser sponge, such as a Magic Eraser, to gently buff them out. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2026

All sleek lines of Range Rover perfection, shining like it's been buffed by the soft bellies of kittens. —ABC News, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing buff

• blindman's buff
• buff leather
• buff up
• in the buff
• to the buff

Rhymes for buff

• cuff
• duff
• fluff
• gruff
• hough
• huff
• luff
• muff
• puff
• rough
• ruff
• scruff

Kids Definition

buff

1 of 3 noun

ˈbəf 

1

: an orange yellow

2

: a device with a soft absorbent surface (as of cloth) for applying polishing material

3

: fan entry 3, enthusiast

a tennis buff

buff

2 of 3 adjective

: of the color buff

buff

3 of 3 verb

: to polish with or as if with a buff