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

Probiotics are generally safe to take every day, especially when eaten in foods such as yogurt, miso, tempeh, buttermilk, and soy beverages. —Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 5 June 2026

Buttermilk Ranch offers a rich take on the classic American favorite, blending tangy buttermilk with garlic, onion, and herbs. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 3 June 2026

The items feature breaded and battered chicken tenders, lettuce, shredded cheese, two pickles and a buttermilk tortilla inspired by the brand's biscuits. —Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026

These snappy, oblong toasts are made with a blend of rice, tapioca, and potato flours, which are combined with a base of egg whites and tangy buttermilk. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 29 May 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