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buckle

noun (1)
buck·​le | \ ˈbə-kəl How to pronounce buckle (audio) \

Definition of buckle

 (Entry 1 of 3)

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

buckle

verb
buckled; buckling\ ˈbə-​k(ə-​)liŋ How to pronounce buckling (audio) \

Definition of buckle (Entry 2 of 3)

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

buckle

noun (2)

Definition of buckle (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : a product of buckling : bend, fold
2 : a coffee cake baked with berries and a crumbly topping blueberry buckle
Synonyms Word History of Buckle More Example Sentences Learn More about buckle

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Word History of Buckle

Noun (1)

The literal meaning of Latin word buccula was “little cheek,” but buccula was also the name for the part of a helmet that protects the cheek. Its medieval French descendant, bouclé, was the word for the boss of a shield, which looks a little like a small cheek on the face of the shield. The use of the word was later extended to belt fasteners. In this sense, the word was borrowed into English.

Examples of buckle in a Sentence

Verb

 She buckled the horses into their harness. The pavement buckled in the heat.

First Known Use of buckle

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for buckle

Noun (1)

Middle English bocle, from Anglo-French, boss of a shield, buckle, from Latin buccula, diminutive of bucca cheek

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More Definitions for buckle

buckle

verb

English Language Learners Definition of buckle

: to fasten (something, such as a belt) with a buckle
: to attach (something) with a buckle
: to bend or collapse from pressure, heat, etc.

See the full definition for buckle in the English Language Learners Dictionary

buckle

noun
buck·​le | \ ˈbə-kəl How to pronounce buckle (audio) \

Kids Definition of buckle

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a fastening device which is attached to one end of a belt or strap and through which the other end is passed and held

buckle

verb
buckled; buckling

Kids Definition of buckle (Entry 2 of 2)

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.

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More from Merriam-Webster on buckle

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with buckle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for buckle

Spanish Central: Translation of buckle

Nglish: Translation of buckle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of buckle for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about buckle

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