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
1
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."
"Leaving home early gave her a buffer against unexpected traffic on the way to work."
2
A temporary storage area in a computer that holds data before it is processed or transferred.
"The video kept pausing to fill its buffer."
"The app stores a small buffer of audio so the song plays smoothly."
"A full buffer meant the printer could not accept any more data."
3
A chemical solution that resists changes in pH.
"The lab technician added a buffer solution to keep the sample's pH stable."
"Add a little buffer to the water so the acidity stays the same."
"Blood contains natural buffers that stop its pH changing too quickly."
verb
1
To lessen or absorb the impact of something.
"The insurance payout helped buffer the financial blow of the accident."
"Thick curtains buffer the noise from the road outside our flat."
"Her kind words buffered him from the worst of the criticism."
How to use buffer
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- buffers
- Third person singular
- buffers
- Past tense
- buffered
Fill the gap
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.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for buffer
See all rhymes for buffer →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.
What is the difference between a buffer and a cache in computing?
A buffer is a temporary storage area that holds data before it is processed or transferred, often to smooth out differences in speed between systems, while a cache stores frequently used data to speed up future access. Buffers are typically about timing and flow, whereas caches are about reuse and retrieval speed.
What does "buffer" mean in chemistry versus everyday language?
In chemistry, a buffer is a solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. In everyday language, a buffer is anything that cushions or absorbs impact between two things, whether that's a physical object or a situation, such as a person acting as a buffer in an argument.
How is "buffer" used as a verb?
As a verb, "buffer" means to lessen or absorb the impact of something, as in "savings can buffer a family against sudden expenses." It's used both literally, for physical cushioning, and figuratively, for softening emotional or financial shocks.
