buttermilk

noun

but·​ter·​milk ˈbə-tər-ˌmilk 

1

: the liquid left after butter has been churned from milk or cream

2

: cultured milk made by the addition of suitable bacteria to sweet milk

Examples of buttermilk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Repeat with the remaining flour mixture and buttermilk, beating just until no large lumps remain. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026

Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. —Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 20 Mar. 2026

Don’t underestimate buttermilk. —Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026

This showstopper is made with buttermilk, flaked coconut, and a nutty cream cheese frosting. —Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for buttermilk

• ilk
• silk
• whilk
• wilk

Kids Definition

buttermilk

noun

but·​ter·​milk ˈbət-ər-ˌmilk 

1

: the liquid left after the butterfat has been churned from milk or cream

2

: milk from which all or part of the cream has been removed and which has been soured by adding certain bacteria

Medical Definition

buttermilk

noun

but·​ter·​milk ˈbət-ər-ˌmilk 

1

: the liquid left after butter has been churned from milk or cream

2

: cultured milk made by the addition of suitable bacteria to sweet milk