Bluff-headed

adj

adj ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Built with the stem nearly vertical, as opposed to one with a rake that extends far beyond the keel.

    "Some are constructed with a view to carrying a large cargo, and are broad, and what is technically termed "bluff-headed," whilst others are designed for fast sailing."

  2. 2
    Having a broad, precipitous front or face. broadly

    "Do you not see that low bluff-headed mountain?"

  3. 3
    Having a rounded head with a flattish snout.

    "The Alpine mastiffs resemble the dogs of Newfoundland, but are somewhat more bluff-headed."

  4. 4
    Having a rounded tip, as opposed to a flat or pointed tip. broadly

    "Mr. Crozier prefers to employ a bluff headed projectile, formed with the punch in a slight concave with rounded outer edges; as that shape will not detract from the weight of the head so much as the spherical, and if the projectile can be thrown without rotary motion, a hexagonal punch might be employed."

  5. 5
    Having a broad face and gruff manners, especially when not exceptionally clever or assertive.

    "I beseech every man who may read this to be perfectly convinced that I feel no pity for these bluff-headed fellows."

Example

More examples

"Some are constructed with a view to carrying a large cargo, and are broad, and what is technically termed "bluff-headed," whilst others are designed for fast sailing."

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.