How to pronounce buffet
Say it like buh-FAY. Buffet has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FAY).
- buh
- FAY
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: For the food table, the t is silent: 'buh-FAY'. As a verb meaning to strike, it is 'BUFF-it'.
Buffet pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- buhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of buffet
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1.
British respelling: BUUF-ay.
Other ways to say buffet
Buffet also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- BUHF-ut /ˈbʌfət/
What does buffet mean?
- A counter or sideboard from which food and drinks are served or may be bought.
- Food laid out in this way, to which diners serve themselves.“We'll be serving supper buffet style.”
- A small low stool; a hassock.
- A blow or cuff with or as if with the hand, or by any other solid object or the wind.
- The vibration of an aircraft when flying in or approaching a stall, caused by separation of airflow from the aircraft's wings.
- To strike with a buffet; to cuff; to slap.
- To aggressively challenge, denounce, or criticise.
- To affect as with blows; to strike repeatedly; to strive with or contend against.“to buffet the billows”
Where does buffet come from?
Inherited from Middle English buffet (“stool”), from Middle French buffet (“side table”), from Old French buffet, of unknown origin.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with buffet
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of buffet.
Questions about saying buffet
How do you pronounce buffet?
Say buh-FAY. The American pronunciation is /bəˈfeɪ/. In British English it is /ˈbʊfeɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in buffet?
Buffet has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FAY). Broken into parts: buh · FAY.
Is buffet pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1. The British form is /ˈbʊfeɪ/ (BUUF-ay).