butchery

noun

butch·​ery ˈbu̇-chə-rē How to pronounce butchery (audio)
ˈbu̇ch-
plural butcheries
1
chiefly British : slaughterhouse
2
: the preparation of meat for sale
3
: cruel and ruthless slaughter of human beings
4
: botch

Examples of butchery in a Sentence

the butchery of civilians during the war butchery on a scale that horrified the civilized world
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.
Griffiths brings the journey of wild turkey from the hunt to the table, offering readers a guide that includes butchery and over 100 recipes. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 While the Pahalgam massacre triggered Jews with flashbacks to October 7, October 7, in turn, triggered Hindus with flashbacks to the sadistic butchery in Kashmir over three decades ago. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 With rare and heritage breed livestock born, raised, finished, and butchered on the estate, the butchery gives The Newt even greater control over the quality, provenance, and traceability of its meat. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 That’s what cooks do at Jeju, a Portland, Oregon, restaurant that specializes in whole-animal butchery. Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for butchery

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of butchery was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Butchery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butchery. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

butchery

noun
butch·​ery ˈbu̇ch-(ə-)rē How to pronounce butchery (audio)
plural butcheries
: brutal murder : great slaughter

More from Merriam-Webster on butchery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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