butter

1 of 2

noun

but·​ter ˈbə-tər 

1

: a solid emulsion of fat globules, air, and water made by churning milk or cream and used as food

2

: a buttery substance: such as

a

: any of various fatty oils remaining nearly solid at ordinary temperatures

b

: a creamy food spread

especially : one made of ground roasted nuts

peanut butter

3

: flattery

butterless

ˈbə-tər-ləs 

adjective

butter

2 of 2

verb

buttered; buttering; butters

transitive verb

: to spread with or as if with butter

Synonyms

Noun

• adulation
• blarney
• flannel [British]
• flattery
• incense
• overpraise
• soft soap
• sweet talk
• taffy

Examples of butter in a Sentence

Noun

Would you like some butter for your potato?

Sauté the onions in melted butter.

Verb

butter a piece of bread

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Place hot sauce, butter and 2 tablespoons agave in a medium saucepan. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2023

Add butter and drippings; pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, about 10 times. —Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2023

Figure about 1 tablespoon of butter per 4 ounces of crab meat. —Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2023

Creating a healthy high-fat eating plan isn’t a daily parade of butter and bacon. —Sarah Garone, Health, 18 Sep. 2023

My current favorite pairing is Erewhon’s butter popcorn with a glass of our 2020 The Hilt Cuvée Fleur Estate Chardonnay. —Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 14 Sep. 2023

While the original cake was all butter, a careful tasting as well as a scan of the ingredients label confirmed that the Whole Foods version relied on oil. —Olga Massov, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2023

Add almonds and capers and cook, stirring frequently, until butter is deep golden brown and almonds are toasted, 4 to 6 minutes. —America's Test Kitchen, Chicago Tribune, 13 Sep. 2023

Canned pumpkin: Yes, these muffins use the entire can! Eggs and butter: These refrigerator staples go into your muffin batter. —Karen Schroeder-Rankin, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023

Verb

With mixer running on low speed, gradually add flour mixture and milk, in alternating batches, to butter mixture, starting and ending with flour and making sure each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2023

Generously butter a quarter sheet pan (9-by-13-inches). —Sheryl Julian, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Aug. 2023

Red Coconut Curry With Sockeye Salmon Leaner fish like wild salmon become tender and butter soft when poached in this fragrant Thai-style curry, where full-fat coconut milk adds richness and flavor. —Amanda Shapiro, Bon Appétit, 8 Aug. 2023

Just about anything, from kiwis and strawberries to butter and mushrooms, can be evenly sliced, so don't be afraid to get creative and go beyond a standard Cobb salad with this gadget. —Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 20 July 2023

Make your shortcakes To make the shortcakes, butter a cast iron skillet or 9x13-inch baking pan (or coat with cooking spray). —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 8 July 2023

Others tell you to butter the bread, then sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar. —Emma Laperruque, Bon Appétit, 25 July 2023

Line the bottom of the pan with a circle of parchment paper, and butter the paper. —G. Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2023

Lightly butter a 9-x 13-inch casserole or baking pan. —Robin Asbell, Southern Living, 5 July 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English butere, from Latin butyrum, from Greek boutyron, from bous cow + tyros cheese; akin to Avestan tūiri- curds — more at cow

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing butter

• apple butter
• butter clam
• butter up
• butter-and-eggs
• butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth
• bread and butter
• butter lettuce
• drawn butter
• peanut butter
• butter bean
• cocoa butter
• head-butter
• shea butter
• like a (hot) knife through butter
• butter knife
• cacao butter

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• apple butter
• butter clam
• butter up
• butter-and-eggs
• butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth
• bread and butter
• butter lettuce
• drawn butter
• peanut butter
• butter bean
• cocoa butter
• head-butter
• shea butter
• like a (hot) knife through butter
• butter knife
• cacao butter

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Kids Definition

butter

1 of 2 noun

but·​ter ˈbət-ər 

1

: a solid yellow fatty food made by churning milk or cream

2

: a substance resembling butter in texture or use

apple butter

buttery

-ə-rē

adjective

butter

2 of 2 verb

: to spread with or as if with butter

Etymology

Noun

Old English butere "butter," from Latin butyrum (same meaning), from Greek boutyron, from bous "ox, cow" and tyros "cheese" — related to buffalo

Medical Definition

butter

noun

but·​ter ˈbət-ər 

1

: a solid emulsion of fat globules, air, and water made by churning milk or cream and used as food

2

: a buttery substance

especially : any of various fatty oils remaining nearly solid at ordinary temperatures