noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

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

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."

Informal word for a handcuff.

"The officer reached for his cuffs."

verb

To put handcuffs on someone.

"The suspect was cuffed and led to the patrol car."

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

cuffed past tense, cuffed past tense, cuffed past tense, cuffs plural, cuffs plural, cuffs plural, cuffs plural, Cuffs plural, cuffs singular, cuffs singular, cuffs singular

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He rolled up his shirt _____ before starting the repair.

Etymology

From Middle English cuffe/coffe, meaning "glove" or "mitten," of unclear earlier origin.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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Related words

handcuff handlock manacle

Rhymes for cuff

buff duff muff ruff tuff puff huff guff stuff bluff gruff fluff

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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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