bluffs; bluffed; bluffing
1
: to pretend that you will do something or that you know or have something in order to trick someone into doing what you want
Don't listen to his threats—he's just bluffing. [=he will not really do what he threatens to do]
She says someone else has made her a higher offer, but I think she's bluffing.
He's a terrible card player—you can always tell when he's bluffing. [=when he's pretending that he has better cards than he actually has]
Don't listen to his threats—he's just bluffing you.
I managed to bluff my way into the show without a ticket. [=I got into the show by bluffing]
I bluffed my way through the interview.
2
US
: to pretend to do or make (something)
The catcher bluffed [=faked, feigned] a throw to first base.
plural bluffs
: a false threat or claim that is meant to get someone to do something
She says someone else has made her a higher offer, but I think it's just a bluff.
plural bluffs
: a high, steep area of land : cliff
They stood on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
: having a very open, honest, and direct way of talking that is friendly but not always polite
a bluff, easygoing fellow
Cite this Entry
“Bluff.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/bluff. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
