English Dictionary

Definition of “bud

1bud1 (bʌdPronunciation for bud1

Definitions

noun

  1. a swelling on a plant stem consisting of overlapping immature leaves or petals
    1. a partially opened flower
    2. ((in combination)  ⇒ rosebud 
  2. any small budlike outgrowth  ⇒ taste buds 
  3. something small or immature
  4. an asexually produced outgrowth in simple organisms, such as yeasts, and the hydra that develops into a new individual
  5. a slang word for marijuana
  6. See in bud
  7. See nip in the bud

verb

Word forms: buds, budding, budded
  1. (intr) (of plants and some animals) to produce buds
  2. (intr) to begin to develop or grow
  3. (tr) horticulture to graft (a bud) from one plant onto another, usually by insertion under the bark

Word Origin

C14 budde , of Germanic origin; compare Icelandic budda  purse, Dutch buidel

2bud2 (bʌdPronunciation for bud2

Definitions

noun

  1. informal mainly US short for buddy

Usage examples

  • A breath of something like to pleasure caressed her nape, seeing this bud on the story tree, ready to burst.
    Clive Barker, EVERVILLE (2001)
  • Says leading Supreme Court advocate Rajiv Dhawan: "The high court nipped a faulty procedure in the bud.
    India Today (1996)
  • Allow me to nip this burgeoning debate in the bud : Don't waste your time.
    Edmonton Sun (2003)
  • The top cut should be just above a bud made at an angle, sloping away from the bud which allows any water to run off.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • Moon astrology is helpful in cultivating that bud into full bloom.
    Michael Geary, MOON ASTROLOGY FOR LOVERS (2002)

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