buckle

1 of 3

noun (1)

buck·le ˈbə-kəl

Synonyms of buckle next

: a fastening for two loose ends that is attached to one and holds the other by a catch

: an ornamental device that suggests a buckle

archaic : a crisp curl

buckle

2 of 3

verb

buckled; buckling ˈbə-k(ə-)liŋ

transitive verb

: to fasten with a buckle

: to prepare with vigor

: to cause to bend, give way, or crumple

intransitive verb

: to become fastened with a buckle

: to apply oneself with vigor

—usually used with down

buckle down to the job

: to bend or move usually under the influence of some external agency

wheat buckling in the wind

: collapse

the props buckled under the strain

: to give way : yield

he buckled under pressure

buckle

3 of 3

noun (2)

: a product of buckling : bend, fold

: a coffee cake baked with berries and a crumbly topping

blueberry buckle

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Word History of Buckle

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As guests walked down the red carpet and into the Embassy, they were ushered into a room of vibrant colors and a display of the brand’s iconic buckle. —

Allyson Portee, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Oct. 2024 These rather rough shoes are characterized by thick soles, a wide shaft, and the characteristic leather straps with metal buckles. —

Franziska Fuchs, Glamour, 27 Sep. 2024

Verb

This was the country’s first election since its economy buckled in 2022 under a severe foreign exchange shortage, leaving it unable to pay for imports of essentials including fuel, medicine and cooking gas. —

Reuters, CNN, 22 Sep. 2024 When the permafrost under airstrips melted, the pavement buckled, and the resulting potholes could damage landing gear. —

Paul Bierman, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for buckle

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'buckle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of buckle was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Buckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buckle. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

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Kids Definition

buckle

1 of 3 noun

buck·le ˈbək-əl

: 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

2 of 3 verb

buckled; buckling -(ə-)liŋ

: to fasten with a buckle

buckle your seat belt

: to fasten a buckle

buckle up for safety

: to apply oneself

buckle down to the job

: to give way : bend, crumple

the pavement buckled in the heat

knees buckled

buckle

3 of 3 noun

: a product of buckling

Last Updated: 8 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences

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buckle

noun (1)

verb

noun (2)

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Synonyms

Examples of buckle in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near buckle

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition