butler

noun

but·​ler ˈbət-lər 

1

: a manservant having charge of the wines and liquors

2

: the chief male servant of a household who has charge of other employees, receives guests, directs the serving of meals, and performs various personal services

Examples of butler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Marcell played Geoffrey, the Banks' butler with a dry sense of humor and a sassiness that just wouldn't quit. —Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025

About half of the Executive Mansion’s team of housekeepers, ushers, valets and butlers are currently working. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025

The world of Downton Abbey is getting the Naked Gun treatment, and no one — whether lord, lady, butler, or maid — is safe from ridicule. —Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025

Keep in mind, there are also often guest service perks available; Ali shares that visitors appreciate Langham’s butler suite services, which include unpacking, ironing, and arranging wardrobes for guests. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English buteler, from Anglo-French butiller, from Old French botele bottle — more at bottle

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing butler

• butler's pantry
• silent butler

Rhymes for butler

• cutler
• sutler

Kids Definition

butler

noun

but·​ler ˈbət-lər 

: a chief male household servant

Etymology

Middle English buteler "household servant in charge of wines," from early French butiller (same meaning), from botele "bottle," derived from Latin buttis "cask"

Biographical Definition

Butler 1 of 5

biographical name (1)

But·​ler ˈbət-lər 

Benjamin Franklin 1818–1893 American general and politician

Butler

2 of 5

biographical name (2)

Joseph 1692–1752 English theologian

Butler

3 of 5

biographical name (3)

Nicholas Murray 1862–1947 American educator; president Columbia University (1901–45)

Butler

4 of 5

biographical name (4)

Samuel 1612–1680 English satirical poet

Butler

5 of 5

biographical name (5)

Samuel 1835–1902 English novelist and satirist