Added 9 October 2026

bluff

/blʌf/ noun

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about bluff at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

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.
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.
The card game 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.
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?
To perform or achieve by bluffing.
We bluffed our way past the guards.

Probably from Dutch bluffen (“to brag”), from Middle Dutch bluffen (“to make something swell; to bluff”); or from the Dutch noun bluf (“bragging”). Related to German verblüffen (“to stump, perplex”).