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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The fundamental ingredients in this recipe consist of chuck or beef roast, butter, soup or gravy flavoring mix, ranch dressing mix, and pepperoncini peppers. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025 Taking butter from a charming dish at breakfast feels warmer and more intentional than peeling back the wrapper on a cold stick from the fridge. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
And—this is important—it should be buttered and toasted on a flat sandwich press until melty. Carlos Frías, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Aug. 2025 Served alongside are Bloody Mary Salt duck fat roasties, organic carrots, tenderstem broccoli, buttered Savoy cabbage, traditional gravy and for the extra wow factor, The Wigmore triple cheese roasted cauliflower. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for butter

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Butter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butter. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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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