How to Pronounce Buff

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

buff

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/bʌf/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “buff”

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

What does buff mean?

noun

  1. Undyed leather from the skin of buffalo or similar animals.
  2. A tool, often one covered with buff leather, used for polishing.

verb

  1. To polish and make shiny by rubbing.

    “He was already buffing the car's hubs.”

  2. To make a character or an item stronger.

    “I noticed that the pistols were buffed in the update.”

adjective

  1. Of the color of buff leather, a brownish yellow.
  2. Unusually muscular. (also buffed or buffed out)

    “The bouncer was a big, buff dude with tattoos, a shaved head, and a serious scowl.”

Synonyms

aficionadorevamp

Antonyms

debuffnerf

Hear “buff” in real sentences

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

Words that rhyme with buff

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

puffchuffgruffroughtoughsloughbluffsnuffstuffmuffrebuffguff

Related words

buffetburnishfurbishfancoloredflushchromaticlover

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "buff"?▾

"Buff" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "buff"?▾

The IPA transcription of "buff" is /bʌf/.

What does "buff" mean?▾

Buff: Undyed leather from the skin of buffalo or similar animals.

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