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

Connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of buttermilk sand just off Lido Mazzaro, Isola Bella is worth visiting for its pretty hilltop villa and, with a snorkel, for its marine park. —Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

Also known as Texas sheet cake, these brownies get their tang from buttermilk, which is also the secret ingredient to the smooth and just-sweet-enough frosting. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026

And just like that the whole family will enjoy a special twist on the typical stack of buttermilk pancakes. —Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026

These Southern-style buttermilk beauties bake up tall, flaky, and golden, with a soft interior that’s just waiting for butter, honey, or jam. —Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025

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