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cuff1

Syllabification: (cuff)
Pronunciation: /kəf/

Translate cuff | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of cuff

noun

  • 1the end part of a sleeve, where the material of the sleeve is turned back or a separate band is sewn on.
  • the part of a glove covering the wrist.
  • the turned-up end of a trouser leg.
  • the top part of a boot, typically padded or turned down.
  • an inflatable bag wrapped around the arm when blood pressure is measured.
  • 2 (cuffs) informal handcuffs.

verb

[with object] informal
  • secure with handcuffs:the man’s hands were cuffed behind his back

Phrases

off the cuff

informal without preparation:they posed some difficult questions to answer off the cuff [as adjective]:an off-the-cuff remark
[as if from impromptu notes made on one's shirt cuffs]

Derivatives

cuffed

adjective
[in combination]:a double-cuffed striped shirt

Origin:

late Middle English (denoting a glove or mitten): of unknown origin

cuff in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of cuff in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

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