buffet

The word “buffet” means a meal set out on a table or counter for guests to serve themselves. In plain terms, most often a self-serve style meal; also used as a verb meaning to be repeatedly battered by something like wind or criticism.

“Buffet” is pronounced BUUF-ay (/bəˈfeɪ/ in IPA).

Here is “buffet” used in a sentence: “The wedding reception featured a buffet of local dishes.”

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

The word “buffet” comes from Middle French. From Middle French "buffet," meaning a side table, of unknown deeper origin; the modern pronunciation was later reshaped to match French.

“Buffet” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Buffet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a meal set out on a table or counter for guests to serve themselves.

As a noun, a buffet is a meal set out on a table or counter for guests to serve themselves. As a verb, to buffet means to strike or knock something about repeatedly, especially by wind, waves, or force — an unrelated meaning despite sharing the same spelling.

To be buffeted by wind, waves, or criticism means to be repeatedly struck or battered by it. The phrase is often used figuratively, as in being buffeted by bad news.

Not necessarily — a buffet simply refers to a self-service meal laid out for guests, which can range from a modest spread to an all-you-can-eat restaurant format.