bluff
adjective
1. very steep; having a prominent and almost vertical front
- a bluff headland
Similar word(s): steep, bold, sheer
2. bluntly direct and outspoken but good-natured
- a bluff but pleasant manner
- a bluff and rugged natural leader
Similar word(s): direct
Sentences with bluff as an adjective:
- the bluff bows of a ship
- a bluff answer; a bluff manner of talking; a bluff sea captain
noun
1. a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)
Definition categories: object, bank
2. pretense that your position is stronger than it really is
- his bluff succeeded in getting him accepted
Definition categories: communication, dissembling, feigning, pretence, pretense
3. the act of bluffing in poker; deception by a false show of confidence in the strength of your cards
Definition categories: act, deceit, deception, dissembling, dissimulation
Sentences with bluff as a noun:
- That is only bluff, or a bluff.
- John's bet was a bluff: he bet without even so much as a pair.
verb
1. deceive an opponent by a bold bet on an inferior hand with the result that the opponent withdraws a winning hand
Definition categories: competition, go, move
2. frighten someone by pretending to be stronger than one really is
Definition categories: communication, affright, fright, frighten, scare
Sentences with bluff as a verb:
- John bluffed by betting without even a pair.
- The government claims it will call an election if this bill does not pass. Is it truly ready to do so, or is it bluffing?