butane

noun

bu·​tane ˈbyü-ˌtān How to pronounce butane (audio)
: either of two isomeric flammable gaseous alkanes C4H10 obtained usually from petroleum or natural gas and used as fuels

Examples of butane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The father was allegedly trying to stop the 17-year-old from huffing butane, according to the post. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026 Deputies reported finding several butane torches and drug paraphernalia in his possession. Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026 Certain substances, including butane and propane, are especially associated with this risk. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 15 May 2026 The sheriff's office also found a butane honey oil manufacturing lab, with more than 240 gallons of butane. Tim Fang, CBS News, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for butane

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary butyric + -ane

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of butane was in 1872

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Butane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butane. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

butane

noun
bu·​tane ˈbyü-ˌtān How to pronounce butane (audio)
: either of two flammable gases that are hydrocarbons obtained usually from petroleum or natural gas and used especially as a fuel

Medical Definition

butane

noun
bu·​tane ˈbyü-ˌtān How to pronounce butane (audio)
: either of two isomeric flammable gaseous alkanes C4H10 obtained usually from petroleum or natural gas and used as fuels

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