noun C1 Advanced Common

buffer

BUH-fuh

Buffer (noun) means something that cushions or absorbs the impact between two things, physically or figuratively. Example: “The savings account acted as a buffer against unexpected expenses.”

noun

Something that cushions or absorbs the impact between two things, physically or figuratively.

"The savings account acted as a buffer against unexpected expenses."

"A row of trees served as a buffer between the houses and the busy road."

A temporary storage area in a computer that holds data before it is processed or transferred.

"The video kept pausing to fill its buffer."

A chemical solution that resists changes in pH.

"The lab technician added a buffer solution to keep the sample's pH stable."

verb

To lessen or absorb the impact of something.

"The insurance payout helped buffer the financial blow of the accident."

How to Use Buffer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that softens an impact or shock — whether that's money, distance, chemistry, or streaming video.

Common pairings

a buffer zone buffer against financial buffer

Word Forms

buffered past tense, buffers plural, buffers plural, buffers plural, buffers plural, Buffers plural, buffers singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The savings account acted as a _____ against unexpected expenses.

Etymology

Formed from "buff" (to cushion or soften a blow) plus the "-er" ending.

Rhymes for buffer

suffer duffer puffer

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “buffer” mean?

The word “buffer” means something that cushions or absorbs the impact between two things, physically or figuratively. In plain terms, something that softens an impact or shock — whether that's money, distance, chemistry, or streaming video.

How do you pronounce “buffer”?

“Buffer” is pronounced BUH-fuh (/ˈbʌfəɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “buffer” in a sentence?

Here is “buffer” used in a sentence: “The savings account acted as a buffer against unexpected expenses.”

What part of speech is “buffer”?

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

Is “buffer” a common word?

“Buffer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “buffer” have?

“Buffer” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something that cushions or absorbs the impact between two things, physically or figuratively.