English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

noun Uncommon

buckle

BUH-kuhl

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Buckle (noun) means a clasp with a hinged pin, used to fasten a belt or strap. Example: “The buckle on his belt was engraved with his initials.”

noun

1

A clasp with a hinged pin, used to fasten a belt or strap.

"The buckle on his belt was engraved with his initials."

verb

1

To fasten something with a buckle.

"She buckled her seatbelt before the car pulled away."

2

To bend or collapse under pressure.

"The bridge girders buckled under the weight of the flood debris."

"His legs buckled with exhaustion after the marathon."

3

To give in to pressure or stress; to stop resisting.

"The company buckled under public pressure and issued an apology."

How to use buckle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA clasp for fastening straps, or (as a verb) to fasten something, or to bend/give way under pressure.

Common mistake

Don't confuse "buckle" (bend/collapse) with "buckle down" (an idiom meaning to start working hard) — opposite kind of energy.

Common pairings

belt buckle buckle under pressure buckle down knees buckled

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: buckles
Third person singular: buckles
Past tense: buckled
Archaic forms: bucklest, buckledst, buckleth

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ on his belt was engraved with his initials.

Etymology

From Old French boucle ("metal ring for fastening"), from Latin buccula ("cheek strap of a helmet"), ultimately from bucca ("cheek"). The sense of collapsing under pressure likely grew out of an older meaning "to prepare oneself for battle" (as in strapping on armor).

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

warp heave clasp crumple

Antonyms

unbuckle

Related words

form hold join throw pull raise lift lock

Rhymes for buckle

suckle knuckle chuckle honeysuckle

See all rhymes for buckle →

Frequently asked questions

What does “buckle” mean?

The word “buckle” means a clasp with a hinged pin, used to fasten a belt or strap. In plain terms, a clasp for fastening straps, or (as a verb) to fasten something, or to bend/give way under pressure.

How do you pronounce “buckle”?

“Buckle” is pronounced BUH-kuhl (/ˈbʌkəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “buckle” in a sentence?

Here is “buckle” used in a sentence: “The buckle on his belt was engraved with his initials.”

What part of speech is “buckle”?

Depending on how it is used, “buckle” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “buckle” come from?

The word “buckle” comes from Latin.

Is “buckle” a common word?

“Buckle” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “buckle” have?

“Buckle” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a clasp with a hinged pin, used to fasten a belt or strap.

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