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

Each Queens Grill suite comes with a butler, niceties inside the suites, and special tables at the exclusive Queens Grill Restaurant and other events. —Heather Steinberger, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024

Families can build the perfect getaway for their needs, by also choosing from four categories with varying levels of inclusion – the highest coming with butler and personal chef service. —Gina Kramer, USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2024

For an additional fee, premium services are available, including a private chef, butler, two housekeepers, and a chauffeur. —Everett Potter, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

It was built for Hilda Boldt Weber, a former nurse turned fabulously wealthy widow of a glass bottle mogul, who had scandalized society by marrying her butler. —Hadley Meares, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Oct. 2024

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

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

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biographical name (2)

Joseph 1692–1752 English theologian

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biographical name (3)

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

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biographical name (4)

Samuel 1612–1680 English satirical poet

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biographical name (5)

Samuel 1835–1902 English novelist and satirist