# cuff

/ˈkəf/ (US) · /kˈʌf/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cuff
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. sleeve end

noun · CEFR B2

the part of a shirt or jacket sleeve that covers the wrist.

For teachers: the end part of a sleeve, where the material of the garment is turned back or a separate band is sewn on.

- He fastened the silver buttons on his shirt cuff before putting on his jacket.
- The tailor suggested a French cuff for the dress shirt to accommodate the ornate cufflinks the groom intended to wear.

### 2. trouser fold

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a fold of material at the bottom of a trouser leg.

For teachers: a fold or turned-up finish at the bottom of a trouser leg.

- The tailor adjusted the length of the trousers and added a small cuff.
- Traditional sartorial standards often dictate that pleated trousers should feature a cuff, whereas flat-front trousers should have a plain hem.

### 3. handcuffs

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a pair of metal rings joined by a chain, used by police to hold a prisoner's wrists.

For teachers: a device for fastening together the wrists of a prisoner, typically consisting of two metal rings connected by a chain.

- The officer put the cuffs on the suspect and led him to the car.
- The suspect remained silent as the arresting officer tightened the cuffs and recited the mandatory legal warnings.

### 4. to hit

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to hit someone, usually on the head, with an open hand.

For teachers: to strike someone with the open hand, especially on the head or ear.

- The old man cuffed the boy on the ear for being disrespectful.
- In the novel, the protagonist is cuffed by his master for a minor transgression, highlighting the harsh social hierarchy of the period.

### 5. to handcuff

verb · CEFR B2

to put handcuffs on someone.

For teachers: to restrain a person by using handcuffs. Transitive use.

- The police had to cuff him because he was trying to run away.
- Standard procedure requires officers to cuff any individual taken into custody to ensure the safety of both the public and the transport team.

### 6. to start a relationship

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

to start a serious romantic relationship with someone, especially during winter.

For teachers: to enter into a committed romantic relationship; often used in the context of 'cuffing season'.

- He decided it was time to cuff his girlfriend after they had been dating for six months.
- Social media trends often highlight the phenomenon of people looking to cuff a partner as the colder months approach, a period colloquially known as cuffing season.

## Examples

- He rolled up his shirt cuffs.
- She adjusted her cuffs before shaking hands with the manager.
- The tailor stitched the cuffs with precision, ensuring the buttons aligned perfectly with the holes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.