bluff Meaning & Definition
What Does Bluff Mean?
Bluff is used as a noun meaning An act of bluffing; a false expression of the strength of one’s position in order to intimidate or deceive; braggadocio. It is also used to mean An attempt to represent oneself as holding a stronger hand than one actually does. As a verb, it means To make a bluff; to give the impression that one’s hand is stronger than it is. As an adjective, it means Having a broad, flattened front.
Bluff in Brief
| Part of speech | noun, verb, adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //blʌf// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | direct, bold and steep |
| Plural | bluffs |
| Comparative / superlative | bluffer, bluffest |
| Verb forms | bluffs, bluffing, bluffed |
Bluff Definition (Noun)
- An act of bluffing; a false expression of the strength of one’s position in order to intimidate or deceive; braggadocio.
That is only bluff, or That is only 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.
- The card game poker.
- One who bluffs; a bluffer.
- Pretense, excuse.
Bluff as a 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.
- To frighten, deter, or deceive with a false show of strength or confidence; to give a false impression of strength or temerity in order to intimidate or 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?
- To perform or achieve by bluffing.
We bluffed our way past the guards.
- To give false information intentionally, to lie (to someone), to deceive; to put on an act.
Noun
- A high, steep bank, for example by a river or the sea, or beside a ravine or plain; a cliff with a broad face.
- A small wood or stand of trees, typically poplar or willow.
Bluff as an Adjective
- Having a broad, flattened front.
the bluff bows of a ship
- Rising steeply with a flat or rounded front.
- Surly; churlish; gruff; rough.
- Roughly frank and hearty in one's manners.
a bluff answer
Verb
- To fluff, puff or swell up.
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 excuse.
Verb
- (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?
- To take advantage by bluffing.
We bluffed our way past the guards.
Synonyms of Bluff
Bluff synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Bluff
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Bluff in a Sentence
That is only bluff, or That is only a bluff.
John’s bet was a bluff: he bet without even so much as a pair.
John bluffed by betting without even a pair.
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?
We bluffed our way past the guards.
the bluff bows of a ship
a bluff answer
a bluff manner of talking
a bluff sea captain
That is only bluff, or a bluff.
John's bet was a bluff: he bet without even so much as a pair.
Word Forms & Grammar
bluff (countable and uncountable, plural bluffs)
bluff (third-person singular simple present bluffs, present participle bluffing, simple past and past participle bluffed)
bluff (plural bluffs)
bluff (comparative bluffer, superlative bluffest)
Words That Rhyme With Bluff
Origin of Bluff
Origin 1: Probably from Dutch bluffen (“to brag”), from Middle Dutch bluffen (“to make something swell; to bluff”); or from the Dutch noun bluf (“bragging”). Related to German verblüffen (“to stump, perplex”).
Origin 2: Related to Middle Low German blaff (“smooth”).
Origin 3: Possibly onomatopoeic, perhaps related to blow and puff.[1]
How Do You Say Bluff?
Bluff is pronounced //blʌf// and has 1 syllable.
Bluff: Your Questions Answered
Is bluff a noun or a verb?
Bluff is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb and an adjective.
What is another word for bluff?
Words with a similar meaning to bluff include direct, bold and steep. See the full list of bluff synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of bluff?
The plural of bluff is bluffs.
What is the past tense of bluff?
The past tense of bluff is bluffed. The present participle is bluffing.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of bluff?
The comparative form is bluffer and the superlative form is bluffest.