English Reference
noun · verb

bud

n. · v.
US /ˈbəd/ UK /bˈʌd/ bud UK spelling bud's, bud's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a small part on a plant that opens up to become a leaf or a flower.

    n.an undeveloped or embryonic shoot, leaf, or flower, typically protected by scales.

    Simple

    In early spring, the apple trees are covered in tiny green buds.

    In context

    The frost arrived unexpectedly, damaging the delicate buds before they had the chance to blossom into full flowers.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate InformalAmerican English

    n.a friendly way to address a male friend or a boy.

    n.an informal term of address or reference for a male friend; a shortened form of 'buddy'.

    Simple

    Hey bud, do you want to go to the park later?

    In context

    He greeted his old college bud with a firm handshake and a laugh, despite not having seen him for nearly a decade.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced SlangInformal

    n.the dried flowers of the cannabis plant.

    n.the potent, flowering part of the cannabis plant, often used as a collective noun for the drug itself.

    Simple

    The police found a small amount of bud in the suspect's car.

    In context

    The legalization of recreational cannabis has led to a significant increase in the variety of high-quality bud available in local dispensaries.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.when a plant starts to produce small parts that will become leaves or flowers.

    v.to produce or develop buds; to begin to grow or issue from a stock.

    Simple

    The rose bushes are starting to bud now that the weather is warmer.

    In context

    As the season turned, the ancient oaks began to bud, signaling the definitive end of the long winter dormancy.

    sproutgerminate
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to start to grow or become successful.

    v.to begin to develop or show promise; often used in the participial form 'budding'.

    Simple

    She is a budding artist who spends all her free time painting.

    In context

    The local community center provides a safe space for budding musicians to practice and perform their original compositions.


Etymology 1

From bud.

Etymology 2

From Budweiser.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated