buffet

¹

[buh-fey, boo-, boo-fey, buhf-it]

noun

1. 1. a variety of dishes presented in a line, from which diners in a restaurant serve themselves, usually at a fixed price regardless of how much one eats.

      The lavish all-you-can-eat buffet delivered a feast of salads, curries, pasta dishes, and sumptuous desserts for $40.

   2. a restaurant where food is presented in this way.

      They own one of the best high-end buffets in the country.

2. a meal laid out on one or more tables so that guests may serve themselves.

3. a sideboard or cabinet for holding china, table linen, etc.

4. a wide variety of things to choose from.

   The school’s internet safety workshop contains a buffet of ideas for parents in the 21st century.

5. a counter, bar, or the like, for lunch or refreshments.

6. a restaurant containing such a counter or bar.

adjective

1. consisting of food, refreshments, etc., laid out on tables or buffets from which guests or customers serve themselves: buffet service.

   a buffet supper;

   buffet service.

buffet

²

[buhf-it]

noun

1. a blow, as with the hand or fist.

2. a violent shock or concussion.

verb (used with object)

buffeted, buffeting 

1. to strike, as with the hand or fist.

   Synonyms: wallop, sock, hit, box, cuff, slap

2. to strike against or push repeatedly.

   The wind buffeted the house.

3. to contend against; battle.

verb (used without object)

buffeted, buffeting 

1. to struggle with blows of hand or fist.

2. to force one's way by a fight, struggle, etc.

buffet

¹

noun

1. a counter where light refreshments are served

2. 1. a meal at which guests help themselves from a number of dishes and often eat standing up

   2. ( as modifier )

      a buffet lunch

3. a piece of furniture used from medieval times to the 18th century for displaying plates, etc and typically comprising one or more cupboards and some open shelves

4. dialect,  a kind of low stool, pouffe, or hassock

buffet

²

/ ˈbʌfɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to knock against or about; batter

   the wind buffeted the boat

2. (tr) to hit, esp with the fist; cuff

3. to force (one's way), as through a crowd

4. (intr) to struggle; battle

noun

1. a blow, esp with a fist or hand

2. aerodynamic excitation of an aircraft structure by separated flows

Buffet

³

/ byfɛ /

noun

1. Bernard (bɛrnar). 1928–99, French painter and engraver. His works are characterized by sombre tones and thin angular forms

Other Word Forms

• buffeter noun
• unbuffeted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of buffet¹

First recorded in 1710–20; from French, Old French; of obscure origin

Origin of buffet²

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, Old French buffe “a blow” + -et -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of buffet¹

C18: from French, of unknown origin

Origin of buffet²

C13: from Old French buffeter , from buffet a light blow, from buffe , of imitative origin

Example Sentences

After a shaky first year in office, buffeted by shrivelling approval ratings, he confronts a buoyant Reform UK.

From BBC

The town has at times felt buffeted by competing state interests of providing affordable housing and protecting a beloved species, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Even the buffet had its moments, especially the made-to-order stir-fry station, which became a personal favorite.

From Salon

Belly Laughs, happening Saturday to Sunday, offers a buffet of top-tier Asian comedians performing all weekend inside the Peacock Theater at L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

"Not once in the 11-hour journey did we have any official announcement... we just had a rumour mill from drivers to the buffet car."

From BBC

Related Words

• batter 
• clobber 
• jolt 
• pummel