Definition of "bluff" in English

noun

1. (countable or uncountable) An act of bluffing; a false expression of the strength of one’s position in order to intimidate or deceive; braggadocio.

   • That is only bluff, or That is only a bluff.

2. (poker, countable or uncountable) An attempt to represent oneself as holding a stronger hand than one actually does.

   • John’s bet was a bluff: he bet without even so much as a pair.

3. (US, dated, uncountable) The card game poker.

4. (countable) One who bluffs; a bluffer.

5. (slang, dated, countable or uncountable) Pretense, excuse.

verb

1. (poker) To make a bluff; to give the impression that one’s hand is stronger than it is.

   • John bluffed by betting without even a pair.

2. (by analogy) To frighten, deter, or deceive with a false show of strength or confidence; to give a false impression of strength or temerity in order to intimidate or gain some advantage.

   • 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?

3. To perform or achieve by bluffing.

   • We bluffed our way past the guards.

4. (Manglish, Singlish) To give false information intentionally, to lie (to someone), to deceive; to put on an act.

noun

1. A high, steep bank, for example by a river or the sea, or beside a ravine or plain; a cliff with a broad face.

2. (Canadian Prairies) A small wood or stand of trees, typically poplar or willow.

adjective

1. Having a broad, flattened front.

   • the bluff bows of a ship

2. Rising steeply with a flat or rounded front.

   • a bluff or bold shore

3. Surly; churlish; gruff; rough.

4. Roughly frank and hearty in one's manners.

   • a bluff answer
   • a bluff manner of talking
   • a bluff sea captain

verb

1. To fluff, puff or swell up.