First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1buckle
noun buck·le \ˈbə-kəl\
Definition of BUCKLE
1
: a fastening for two loose ends that is attached to one and holds the other by a catch
2
: an ornamental device that suggests a buckle
3
archaic : a crisp curl
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Origin of BUCKLE
Middle English bocle, from Anglo-French, boss of a shield, buckle, from Latin buccula, diminutive of bucca cheek
Other Clothing Terms
2buckle
verb
: to fasten (something, such as a belt) with a buckle
: to attach (something) with a buckle
: to bend or collapse from pressure, heat, etc.
buck·ledbuck·ling \ˈbə-k(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of BUCKLE
transitive verb
1
: to fasten with a buckle
2
: to prepare with vigor
3
: to cause to bend, give way, or crumple
intransitive verb
1
: to become fastened with a buckle
2
: to apply oneself with vigor —usually used with down <buckle down to the job>
3
: to bend or move usually under the influence of some external agency <wheat buckling in the wind>
4
: collapse <the props buckled under the strain>
5
: to give way : yield <he buckled under pressure>
See buckle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BUCKLE
14th century
Related to BUCKLE
3buckle
noun
Definition of BUCKLE
2
: a coffee cake baked with berries and a crumbly topping <blueberry buckle>
First Known Use of BUCKLE
circa 1876
BUCKLE Defined for Kids
1buckle
noun buck·le \ˈbə-kəl\
Definition of BUCKLE for Kids
: a fastening device which is attached to one end of a belt or strap and through which the other end is passed and held
2buckle
verb
buck·ledbuck·ling
Definition of BUCKLE for Kids
1
: to fasten with a buckle
2
: to start to work hard Hint:In this sense buckle is usually used with down. <It's time to buckle down and do your chores.>
3
: to bend, crumple, or give way <The pavement buckled in the heat.>
Headscratcher for BUCKLE
A buckle can hold things together, but when something buckles, it breaks apart or collapses.
Learn More About BUCKLE
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