butter

1 of 2

noun

but·​ter ˈbə-tər How to pronounce butter (audio)
1
: a solid emulsion of fat globules, air, and water made by churning milk or cream and used as food
2
: a buttery substance: such as
a
: any of various fatty oils remaining nearly solid at ordinary temperatures
b
: a creamy food spread
especially : one made of ground roasted nuts
peanut butter
3
butterless adjective

butter

2 of 2

verb

buttered; buttering; butters

transitive verb

: to spread with or as if with butter

Examples of butter in a Sentence

Noun Would you like some butter for your potato? Sauté the onions in melted butter. Verb butter a piece of bread
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Flour, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, butter, and a splash of vinegar round out the recipe. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2024 The same even goes for some ingredients: namely (and perhaps surprisingly) butter. Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024
Verb
Its supporting cast members are buttered mashed potatoes and starchy vegetables like peas. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024 San Antonio diners who like to butter their buns with the honey cinnamon butter served at Texas Roadhouse are in for a treat. Elizabeth L. T. Moore, San Antonio Express-News, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for butter 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'butter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English butere, from Latin butyrum, from Greek boutyron, from bous cow + tyros cheese; akin to Avestan tūiri- curds — more at cow

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of butter was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near butter

Cite this Entry

“Butter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butter. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

butter

1 of 2 noun
but·​ter ˈbət-ər How to pronounce butter (audio)
1
: a solid yellow fatty food made by churning milk or cream
2
: a substance resembling butter in texture or use
apple butter
buttery
-ə-rē
adjective

butter

2 of 2 verb
: to spread with or as if with butter
Etymology

Noun

Old English butere "butter," from Latin butyrum (same meaning), from Greek boutyron, from bous "ox, cow" and tyros "cheese" — related to buffalo

Medical Definition

butter

noun
but·​ter ˈbət-ər How to pronounce butter (audio)
1
: a solid emulsion of fat globules, air, and water made by churning milk or cream and used as food
2
: a buttery substance
especially : any of various fatty oils remaining nearly solid at ordinary temperatures

More from Merriam-Webster on butter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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