Bluff has 13 different meanings across 4 categories:
Noun · Verb · Adjective · Proper Noun
a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)
"The hikers struggled to climb the slippery bluff overlooking the rushing river."
pretense that your position is stronger than it really is
"his bluff succeeded in getting him accepted"
the act of bluffing in poker; deception by a false show of confidence in the strength of your cards
"He decided to bluff at the river, betting heavily even though he held only low pair."
An act of bluffing; a false expression of the strength of one's position in order to intimidate; braggadocio.
"The hikers struggled to climb up the sheer bluff overlooking the churning ocean waves below."
A high, steep bank, for example by a river or the sea, or beside a ravine or plain; a cliff with a broad face.
In plain English: A bluff is a tall, steep slope next to a body of water or deep area.
"The chalk bluffs overlooking the beach offered stunning views of the coastline."
Usage: Bluff (noun) refers to a coastal or riverside precipice - think of a raised area of land sloping steeply down to water or a lower level. It's a geological feature, not a deceptive tactic like in poker.
frighten someone by pretending to be stronger than one really is
"The veteran soldier tried to bluff his way out of trouble by shouting threats at the new recruit."
To make a bluff; to give the impression that one's hand is stronger than it is.
"The old tire began to deflate after he tried to bluff it back into shape by stomping on it."
To fluff, puff or swell up.
In plain English: To bluff means to try and deceive someone by pretending to have more strength or ability than you actually do.
"The strong wind caused the pillows to bluff against the window."
Usage: Bluff (verb) means to deceive someone into believing something that isn't true, often in a game or negotiation. Use it when describing an act of misleading through feigned confidence or strength.
bluntly direct and outspoken but good-natured
"a bluff but pleasant manner"
"a bluff and rugged natural leader"
Having a broad, flattened front.
"The massive rock formation has a steep back but presents a wide, flattened front to the river below."
In plain English: A bluff is a steep, level area that faces the ocean or another body of water.
"The seaside town was built on a steep bluff overlooking the ocean."
Usage: As a noun, a bluff is a steep bank or cliff overlooking a body of water; as a verb, to bluff means to deceive someone into believing something that isn't true, often in a game or negotiation. Don't bluff your way through a presentation if you don't know the material!
A town in New Zealand, the southernmost in the South Island, and seaport for the Southland region.
"After sailing down the coast of the South Island, we finally arrived at Bluff to dock our fishing boats."
The word likely comes from the Dutch verb bluffen, which originally meant "to brag" before entering English. Its meaning shifted over time so that it now refers specifically to pretending or exaggerating one's abilities in a game of chance rather than just boasting generally.