Buck

/bʌk/

Meaning & Definition

noun
a male deer.
The hunter spotted a buck grazing in the meadow.
a dollar.
I only have five bucks left in my wallet.
a young man.
He's just a buck trying to make his way in the world.
verb
to leap or jump; to rear up.
The horse began to buck, throwing the rider off.
to resist or oppose.
She decided to buck the trend and wear something different.

Etymology

Middle English 'boc', meaning male deer

Common Phrases and Expressions

buck up
To cheer up or become more positive.
buck the trend
To do something that is contrary to the prevailing trend.
passing the buck
To evade responsibility by passing it to someone else.

Related Words

bucks
Plural form referring to multiple dollars.
bucking
Engaging in the action of jumping or leaping.

Slang Meanings

Money or cash.
I just found a few bucks in my jacket.
To oppose or resist.
He’s always bucking the rules at work.