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cuff

1 of 4

noun (1)

Synonyms of cuffnext
1
: something (such as a part of a sleeve or glove) encircling the wrist
2
: the turned-back hem of a trouser leg
3
a
: handcuff
usually used in plural
b
: a usually wide metal band worn as a bracelet
4
: an inflatable band that is wrapped around an extremity to control the flow of blood through the part when recording blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer
cuffless adjective

see also off the cuff, on the cuff

cuff

2 of 4

verb (1)

cuffed; cuffing; cuffs

transitive verb

1
: to furnish with a cuff
2

cuff

3 of 4

verb (2)

cuffed; cuffing; cuffs

transitive verb

: to strike especially with or as if with the palm of the hand : buffet

cuff

4 of 4

noun (2)

: a blow with the hand especially when open : slap

Examples of cuff in a Sentence

Noun (1) the mama cat would give her kittens a cuff with a paw whenever they played too rough Noun (2) the policeman snapped the cuffs on and led the prisoner away to the car
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The sleeves are made of textured material, and they’re finished with decorative buttons at the cuffs. Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026 The oversized cut is roomy and menswear-inspired, with cuff buttons, flap pockets, and shoulder pads. Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
The pants feature slightly frayed, cuffed hems with an inseam that’s suitable for shorter frames, plus they’re made from stretchy denim for all-day comfort. Michelle Rostamian, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026 Because her hands were cuffed behind her back, Gialenes was unable to break her fall and struck her head on the pavement, according to the lawsuit. Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cuff

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English coffe, cuffe mitten

Verb (2)

perhaps from obsolete English, glove, from Middle English

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb (2)

1530, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (2)

1570, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cuff was in 1522

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuff. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

cuff

1 of 3 noun
1
: a part of a sleeve or glove that goes around the wrist
2
: the turned-back hem of a trouser leg
3
: a band that is capable of being inflated and is wrapped around an arm or leg to control the flow of blood through the part when measuring blood pressure

cuff

2 of 3 verb
: to strike with or as if with the palm of the hand

cuff

3 of 3 noun
: a blow with the hand especially when open : slap

Medical Definition

cuff

noun
1
: an inflatable band that is wrapped around an extremity to control the flow of blood through the part when recording blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer
2
: an anatomical structure shaped like a cuff
especially : rotator cuff
repair of complete shoulder cuff avulsion Physicians' Current Procedural Terminology

More from Merriam-Webster on cuff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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