buffett: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, with formal/informal variations depending on context (e.g., 'buffet meal' is neutral, 'to buffet' is more formal/literary).
Quick answer
What does “buffett” mean?
A meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes set out on a table or sideboard.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes set out on a table or sideboard.
A commercial establishment serving such meals; figuratively, an experience of being repeatedly and forcefully struck, as by wind or waves; to strike repeatedly or to struggle against something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun 'buffet' (meal) is pronounced /ˈbʊfeɪ/ (BOO-fay) in BrE, closer to the French origin. In AmE, it's commonly /bəˈfeɪ/ (buh-FAY). The verb meaning 'to strike' is pronounced /ˈbʌfɪt/ (BUFF-it) in both.
Connotations
In BrE, the /ˈbʊfeɪ/ pronunciation can sound more formal or traditional. The AmE /bəˈfeɪ/ is standard and neutral. The verb is equally literary/formal in both varieties.
Frequency
The noun (meal) is far more common in everyday speech than the verb.
Grammar
How to Use “buffett” in a Sentence
[noun]: a buffet of [dishes, options][verb, transitive]: be buffeted by [wind, waves, adversity][verb, intransitive]: buffet against [something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “buffett” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The small boat was buffeted by the fierce North Sea waves.
- He felt buffeted by the criticisms from all sides.
American English
- The stock market was buffeted by the unexpected news.
- Flags buffeted in the strong wind.
adverb
British English
- The food was served buffet style.
American English
- Dinner is served buffet-style in the main hall.
adjective
British English
- We opted for the buffet supper.
- The train's buffet car was surprisingly well-stocked.
American English
- They offer a buffet lunch on weekdays.
- It was a buffet-style wedding reception.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to a catering style for conferences or corporate events.
Academic
The verb used in literary analysis or historical descriptions of storms/sieges.
Everyday
Almost exclusively the noun, referring to a type of restaurant or meal service.
Technical
Meteorology/sailing: 'buffeted by gale-force winds'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “buffett”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “buffett”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “buffett”
- Mispronouncing the noun as /ˈbʌfɪt/ (like the verb) in a catering context.
- Using the verb in everyday conversation where 'hit' or 'shake' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, that is the standard and correct term in English for such a meal service.
They are synonyms for the style of meal. 'Buffet' is the general English term, while 'smorgasbord' is of Swedish origin and sometimes implies a specific Scandinavian-style spread.
They come from different etymological sources. The noun is from French, hence the /feɪ/ ending. The verb is from Old French 'buffeter' meaning to strike, leading to the /ɪt/ ending.
It is relatively formal or literary. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say 'hit,' 'batter,' or 'shake' depending on the context.
A meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes set out on a table or sideboard.
Buffett is usually neutral, with formal/informal variations depending on context (e.g., 'buffet meal' is neutral, 'to buffet' is more formal/literary). in register.
Buffett: in British English it is pronounced Noun: /ˈbʊfeɪ/, Verb: /ˈbʌfɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced Noun: /bəˈfeɪ/, Verb: /ˈbʌfɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A buffet of [metaphorical]: a wide, often overwhelming, array of something (e.g., a buffet of emotions).”
- “Buffeted by fate: repeatedly struck by misfortune.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BUY the FAY (fairy) at the buffet.' This reminds you of the common AmE pronunciation /bəˈfeɪ/ for the meal. For the verb, think of a BUFF (strong) person hitting something (buffet).
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/EXPERIENCE IS A BUFFET (noun): You can choose from many options. ADVERSITY IS A FORCE THAT STRIKES (verb): Problems buffet a person.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'buffet' pronounced /bəˈfeɪ/ (buh-FAY)?