How to Pronounce Bluff

To pronounce "bluff", say BLUFF — one syllable, IPA /blʌf/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

bluff

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Accent

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Syllable

Letters

/blʌf/

IPA

"bluff" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with puff and chuff, if that helps it stick.

noun

An act of bluffing; a false expression of the strength of one's position in order to intimidate; braggadocio.
“That is only bluff, or a bluff.”
An attempt to represent oneself as holding a stronger hand than one actually does.
“John's bet was a bluff: he bet without even so much as a pair.”

verb

To make a bluff; to give the impression that one's hand is stronger than it is.
“John bluffed by betting without even a pair.”
(by analogy) To frighten or deter with a false show of strength or confidence; to give a false impression of strength or temerity in order to intimidate and gain some advantage.
“The government claims it will call an election if this bill does not pass. Is it truly ready to do so, or is it bluffing?”

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

How many syllables are in "bluff"?▾

"Bluff" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "bluff"?▾

The IPA transcription of "bluff" is /blʌf/.

What does "bluff" mean?▾

Bluff: An act of bluffing; a false expression of the strength of one's position in order to intimidate; braggadocio.

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