cuff
kuhf
Cuff (noun) means the end part of a sleeve or pant leg, often folded or fastened around the wrist or ankle. Example: “He rolled up his shirt cuffs before starting the repair.”
noun
1
The end part of a sleeve or pant leg, often folded or fastened around the wrist or ankle.
"He rolled up his shirt cuffs before starting the repair."
2
Informal word for a handcuff.
"The officer reached for his cuffs."
verb
1
To put handcuffs on someone.
"The suspect was cuffed and led to the patrol car."
2
Slang: to become exclusively involved in a romantic relationship, especially in colder months.
"They started cuffing right before winter."
How to use cuff
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe end of a sleeve or pant leg, a handcuff, or slang for locking down a relationship.
Common pairings
shirt cuff
get cuffed
cuffing season
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Word forms
- Plural
- cuffs
- Third person singular
- cuffs
- Past tense
- cuffed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He rolled up his shirt _____ before starting the repair.
Etymology
From Middle English cuffe/coffe, meaning "glove" or "mitten," of unclear earlier origin.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for cuff
See all rhymes for cuff →Frequently asked questions
What does “cuff” mean?
The word “cuff” means the end part of a sleeve or pant leg, often folded or fastened around the wrist or ankle. In plain terms, the end of a sleeve or pant leg, a handcuff, or slang for locking down a relationship.
How do you pronounce “cuff”?
“Cuff” is pronounced kuhf (/kʌf/ in IPA).
How do you use “cuff” in a sentence?
Here is “cuff” used in a sentence: “He rolled up his shirt cuffs before starting the repair.”
What part of speech is “cuff”?
Depending on how it is used, “cuff” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “cuff” come from?
The word “cuff” comes from Middle English. From Middle English cuffe/coffe, meaning "glove" or "mitten," of unclear earlier origin.
Is “cuff” a common word?
“Cuff” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “cuff” have?
“Cuff” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the end part of a sleeve or pant leg, often folded or fastened around the wrist or ankle.
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