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

The menu hasn’t changed much since the 1950s, with hearty classics such as eggs Benedict, home fries, and their famed buttermilk pancakes—whose image is now emblazoned on a trucker hat for sale at the reception desk. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026

In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise and sour cream. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately in 3 additions, beginning and ending with flour mixture, beating just until combined after each addition. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 2 July 2026

The powder can be mixed with buttermilk and mayonnaise to create the dressing. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 28 June 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