noun
bud
buhd
noun
1
A small swelling on a plant that will develop into a leaf, flower, or shoot.
"The rose bushes were covered in tight red buds by early spring."
"She watched the tulip buds slowly open in the morning sun."
2
Something in an early stage of development.
"Their friendship was still just a bud, but it clearly had potential."
3
Slang for marijuana, especially the dried flowering part of the cannabis plant.
"He kept a small jar of bud in the cupboard."
4
An informal, friendly term of address for a man, similar to "buddy" or "pal."
""Thanks for the ride, bud.""
verb
1
To produce or begin developing buds, or to start growing in a similar early way.
"The cherry trees usually start to bud in late March."
How to Use Bud
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost commonly either the small growth on a plant before it flowers, or a casual, friendly way to address someone.
Common mistake
The phrase "nip in the bud" means to stop a problem early — not "nip it in the butt," a common mishearing.
Common pairings
nip it in the bud
a flower bud
what's up, bud
Word Forms
budded past tense, buds plural, buds plural, Buds plural, buds singular
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The rose bushes were covered in tight red _____ by early spring.
Etymology
From Middle English "budde," probably going back to a Germanic root meaning "to swell," the same idea behind a plant bud swelling before it opens.