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

Once combined, add the buttermilk and stir until just mixed. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2026

There's nothing quite like a flaky buttermilk biscuit with ham. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

With the mixer on low speed, in two additions, add the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until just incorporated. —Via Chronicle Books, Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026

Research shows that both butter and buttermilk contain high amounts of Lactobacilli and Lactococci, and can maintain their probiotic levels even after prolonged storage periods.11 8. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 23 Feb. 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