noun
boffin
BO-fihn
Boffin (noun) means British informal: a scientist or technical expert, especially one involved in research. Example: “Government boffins developed the new radar system during the war.”
noun
1
British informal: a scientist or technical expert, especially one involved in research.
"Government boffins developed the new radar system during the war."
"The tech boffins at the lab unveiled a faster battery design."
How to use boffin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA British word for a scientist, engineer, or technical expert, often used slightly affectionately.
When to use it
Mainly British informal usage; rarely used in American English.
Common pairings
boffins at the lab
government boffins
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like boffin.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- boffins
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Government _____ developed the new radar system during the war.
Etymology
Origin uncertain; one popular theory links it to the bumbling "Mr. Boffin" character in Dickens's novel Our Mutual Friend.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for boffin
See all rhymes for boffin →Frequently asked questions
What does “boffin” mean?
The word “boffin” means british informal: a scientist or technical expert, especially one involved in research. In plain terms, a British word for a scientist, engineer, or technical expert, often used slightly affectionately.
How do you pronounce “boffin”?
“Boffin” is pronounced BO-fihn (/ˈbɑfɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “boffin” in a sentence?
Here is “boffin” used in a sentence: “Government boffins developed the new radar system during the war.”
What part of speech is “boffin”?
“Boffin” is a noun.
