buttermilk

noun

but·​ter·​milk ˈbə-tər-ˌmilk 

1

: the liquid left after butter has been churned from milk or cream

2

: cultured milk made by the addition of suitable bacteria to sweet milk

Examples of buttermilk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The mix of buttermilk, mayonnaise, herbs and spices has since become not only America's favorite salad dressing, but a popular flavor internationally. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 18 June 2026

Our favorite buttermilk biscuit recipe also happens to be the simplest. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 17 June 2026

After a quick buttermilk and kosher salt brine, the chicken is ready to be fried until golden brown. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026

With more shaking or churning, these grains grow and separate from the watery, naturally low-fat buttermilk. — Rosemary Trout, The Conversation, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for buttermilk

• ilk
• silk
• whilk
• wilk

Kids Definition

buttermilk

noun

but·​ter·​milk ˈbət-ər-ˌmilk 

1

: the liquid left after the butterfat has been churned from milk or cream

2

: milk from which all or part of the cream has been removed and which has been soured by adding certain bacteria

Medical Definition

buttermilk

noun

but·​ter·​milk ˈbət-ər-ˌmilk 

1

: the liquid left after butter has been churned from milk or cream

2

: cultured milk made by the addition of suitable bacteria to sweet milk