buffo

noun

buf·​fo ˈbü-(ˌ)fō How to pronounce buffo (audio)
plural buffi ˈbü-(ˌ)fē How to pronounce buffo (audio) or buffos
Synonyms of buffonext
: clown, buffoon
specifically : a male singer of comic roles in opera

Examples of buffo in a Sentence

in the comic opera, the buffo shared his entrance aria with a grimacing mime

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from buffone

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buffo was in 1764

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buffo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buffo. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster