cuff link: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, sartorial
Quick answer
What does “cuff link” mean?
A small decorative fastener used to join the two sides of a shirt cuff.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small decorative fastener used to join the two sides of a shirt cuff.
A piece of men's jewellery or formal accessory, typically worn with French-cuff or double-cuff shirts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British often uses hyphen ('cuff-link') or solid form ('cufflink'); American typically uses two words ('cuff link') or solid form. The solid form 'cufflink' is common in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of formality and classic style in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English due to enduring formality in certain dress codes.
Grammar
How to Use “cuff link” in a Sentence
[Subject] + wear + cuff links[Subject] + fasten + [Possessive] + cuff linksa pair of + cuff linksVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cuff link” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He carefully cuff-linked his shirt before the ceremony.
American English
- He cufflinked his dress shirt in the car.
adjective
British English
- He admired his father's cuff-link collection.
American English
- The cuff link box was lined with velvet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Required for formal business attire in certain industries like finance or law.
Academic
Rare, except in discussions of historical fashion or material culture.
Everyday
Used when discussing formal wear for weddings, galas, or black-tie events.
Technical
Used in tailoring, fashion design, and jewellery contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cuff link”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cuff link”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cuff link”
- Using 'cuff link' for a button-on shirt cuff.
- Calling a single item a 'cuff links' (plural is standard for the pair).
- Misspelling as 'cufflink' (accepted) or 'cuff-link' (British).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are acceptable. 'Cuff link' (two words) and 'cufflink' (one word) are standard. Hyphenated 'cuff-link' is less common but also seen.
For a single piece, you say 'a cuff link.' However, because you need two to fasten a shirt, they are almost always referred to in the plural: 'a pair of cuff links' or simply 'cuff links.'
Cuff links fasten the cuffs of a shirt. Shirt studs are used down the front placket of a formal shirt in place of buttons, typically with a tuxedo or white-tie outfit.
Primarily, yes, as they are a standard part of classic men's formalwear. However, women's fashion occasionally incorporates cuff link-style accessories on blouses or jackets.
A small decorative fastener used to join the two sides of a shirt cuff.
Cuff link is usually formal, sartorial in register.
Cuff link: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌf lɪŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkəf ˌlɪŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dressed to the nines (implies wearing cuff links)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CUFF needs a LINK to close it. A 'link' in a chain connects two parts, just as a cuff link connects the two sides of a cuff.
Conceptual Metaphor
JEWELLERY IS STATUS (for men); FORMALITY IS CONTAINMENT (fastening the cuff contains the sleeve).
Practice
Quiz
Cuff links are specifically designed for which type of shirt cuff?