bud
buhd
Bud (noun) means a small swelling on a plant that will develop into a leaf, flower, or shoot. Example: “Frost can damage the tender buds on the apple trees.”
noun
1
A small swelling on a plant that will develop into a leaf, flower, or shoot.
"Frost can damage the tender buds on the apple trees."
"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.
"The idea was only a bud then, but it grew into a business."
"Every great career begins as a bud of ambition in someone's mind."
"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."
"Hey bud, can you hold this door open for me?"
"Don't worry about it, bud, we'll sort it out tomorrow."
""Thanks for the ride, bud.""
verb
1
To produce or begin developing buds, or to start growing in a similar early way.
"The lilac outside our window begins to bud as the days grow warmer."
"Once the roses bud, we will need to water them more often."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- buds
- Third person singular
- buds
- Past tense
- budded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Frost can damage the tender _____ on the apple trees.
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.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “bud” mean?
The word “bud” means a small swelling on a plant that will develop into a leaf, flower, or shoot. In plain terms, most commonly either the small growth on a plant before it flowers, or a casual, friendly way to address someone.
How do you pronounce “bud”?
“Bud” is pronounced buhd (/bʌd/ in IPA).
How do you use “bud” in a sentence?
Here is “bud” used in a sentence: “The rose bushes were covered in tight red buds by early spring.”
What part of speech is “bud”?
Depending on how it is used, “bud” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bud” come from?
The word “bud” comes from Middle English. 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.
Is “bud” a common word?
“Bud” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “bud” have?
“Bud” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small swelling on a plant that will develop into a leaf, flower, or shoot.
What is the difference between a bud and a blossom?
A bud is the small swelling on a plant that will develop into a leaf, flower, or shoot — the stage before opening. A blossom is the flower itself once it has opened, especially on fruit trees, so a bud becomes a blossom.
Is bud short for buddy?
Yes. As a friendly, informal way to address a man or boy — "thanks, bud" — bud functions as a short form of buddy, meaning friend. It is chiefly American and very casual, so it is out of place in formal speech or writing.
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