Buffer — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈbə-fər/ buff·er

Meaning & Definition of Buffer

Buffer (noun)

  1. any of various devices or pieces of material for reducing shock or damage due to contact
  2. a means or device used as a cushion against the shock of fluctuations in business or financial activity
  3. something that serves as a protective barrier
  4. someone or something that buffs; especially, a machine that cleans and polishes
  5. fellow, man; especially, an old man

Buffer (verb)

  1. to lessen the shock of, cushion
  2. to treat (something, such as an acid solution) with a buffer; also, to prepare (aspirin) with an antacid
  3. to collect (data) in a buffer

Buffer (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one who works with opposing sides in order to bring about an agreement

    "it took a friend serving as a buffer between the feuding siblings to get them to speak to one another again"

    similar: broker, conciliator, go-between, honest broker, interceder, intercessor, intermediary, intermediate, interposer, mediator, middleman, peacemaker
    related: troubleshooter, moderator, bargainer, negotiant, negotiator, appeaser, pacificator, pacifier, reconciler, agent, attorney, deputy, factor, procurator, proxy, liaison, medium, ambassador, emissary, envoy, legate, messenger, delegate, representative, busybody, interferer, meddler, arbiter, arbitrator, judge, referee, umpire, adviser, counselor

  2. something that serves as a protective barrier

    "the excelsior acts as an additional buffer for the marble bust during shipping"

    similar: bumper, cocoon, cushion, cushioning, fender, pad
    related: baffle, muffler, padding, safeguard, shield, barricade, cordon

Buffer (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to lessen the shock of

    "during my walk an umbrella and thick coat buffered the freezing rain"

    similar: cushion, gentle, soften
    related: baffle, dampen, deaden, dull, obtund, moderate, modulate, temper, allay, alleviate, assuage, ease, lighten, mitigate, relieve
    near: heighten, intensify, sharpen

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Buffer

The most common words with a similar meaning to Buffer:

broker, conciliator, go-between, honest broker, interceder, intercessor, intermediary, intermediate, interposer, mediator, middleman, peacemaker, bumper, cocoon, cushion, cushioning, fender, pad, gentle, soften

Related Words for Buffer

troubleshooter, moderator, bargainer, negotiant, negotiator, appeaser, pacificator, pacifier, reconciler, agent, attorney, deputy, factor, procurator, proxy, liaison, medium, ambassador, emissary, envoy, legate, messenger, delegate, representative, busybody, interferer, meddler, arbiter, arbitrator, judge

Near Antonyms of Buffer

heighten, intensify, sharpen

Word Forms of Buffer

Inflections: buffers, buffered, buffering

Derived words: buffered (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Buffer

buff, verb, to react like a soft body when struck

First known use: 1835

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Buffer

Words & Phrases Containing Buffer

buffer state, buffer zone

Frequently Asked Questions about Buffer

What does "Buffer" mean?

"Buffer" means any of various devices or pieces of material for reducing shock or damage due to contact. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: any of various devices or pieces of material for reducing shock or damage due to contact. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Buffer"?

Other words for "Buffer" include broker, conciliator, go-between, honest broker, interceder, intercessor, intermediary and intermediate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Buffer" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Buffer"?

There are 75 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Buffer". Common alternatives include broker, conciliator, go-between, honest broker, interceder, intercessor, intermediary, intermediate, interposer and mediator.

How do you use "Buffer" in a sentence?

Examples of "Buffer" in a sentence: "it took a friend serving as a buffer between the feuding siblings to get them to speak to one another again"; "the excelsior acts as an additional buffer for the marble bust during shipping"; "during my walk an umbrella and thick coat buffered the freezing rain".

Is "Buffer" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Buffer" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Buffer" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Buffer" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Buffer"?

"Buffer" is pronounced /ˈbə-fər/ and divided into syllables as buff·er.

What is the origin of the word "Buffer"?

"Buffer" comes from buff, verb, to react like a soft body when struck. First known use: 1835.