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

Tom Parker constricted Presley’s artistic growth by parking him in the city of buffet tables rather than letting him tour the world.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• batter 
• clobber 
• jolt 
• pummel