nubuck

noun

nu·​buck ˈn(y)ü-ˌbək How to pronounce nubuck (audio)
Synonyms of nubucknext
often attributive
: a soft sueded leather

Examples of nubuck in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Kim wore a brown nubuck jacket (a more durable alternative to suede, yet still a bit fussy) with a glossy, orange-red patent leather pencil skirt. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026 Shaggy suede, smoother nubuck and mesh form the upper with gray, blue and several shades of green. Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026 Leather, suede, nubuck, and designer sneakers should always be cleaned by hand to avoid warping, fading, or permanent damage. Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 29 Dec. 2025 Never wash suede or nubuck coats. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nubuck

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from nu- (alteration of new entry 1) + buck entry 1

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nubuck was in 1912

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nubuck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nubuck. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

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