buffoon Meaning & Definition
What Does Buffoon Mean?
As a noun, buffoon means One who performs in a silly or ridiculous fashion; a clown or fool. It is also used to mean An unintentionally ridiculous person. As a verb, it means To behave like a buffoon.
Buffoon: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /bəˈfuːn/ |
| Synonyms | clown and merry andrew |
| Plural | buffoons |
| Verb forms | buffoons, buffooning, buffooned |
Buffoon Definition (Noun)
- One who performs in a silly or ridiculous fashion; a clown or fool.
- An unintentionally ridiculous person.
Buffoon as a Verb
- To behave like a buffoon
Noun
- One who acts in a silly or ridiculous fashion; a clown or fool.
Synonyms of Buffoon
Buffoon synonyms and antonyms →Word Forms & Grammar
buffoon (plural buffoons)
buffoon (third-person singular simple present buffoons, present participle buffooning, simple past and past participle buffooned)
Words That Rhyme With Buffoon
Origin of Buffoon
From Middle French bouffon, from Italian buffone (“jester”), from buffare (“to puff out the cheeks”), of onomatopoeic origin. Compare Middle High German buffen ("to puff"; > German büffen), Old English pyffan (“to breathe out, blow with the mouth”). More at English puff.
Common Questions About Buffoon
Is buffoon a noun or a verb?
Buffoon is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for buffoon?
Words with a similar meaning to buffoon include clown and merry andrew. See the full list of buffoon synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of buffoon?
The plural of buffoon is buffoons.
What is the past tense of buffoon?
The past tense of buffoon is buffooned. The present participle is buffooning.