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

This pancake recipe uses ricotta cheese and buttermilk to make a creamy, rich texture that is defined by the vanilla and almond extract. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Get The Recipe 19 of 30 Triple B Milk Punch Bourbon, brandy, and buttermilk are what give this holiday punch its famous name. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2025

Add remaining 1 cup buttermilk, and mix until combined into a shaggy dough that is just beginning to hold together—try not to overwork the dough. —Ana Calderone, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025

What Our Editors Think Many of our editors have strong pro-top-sheet opinions—namely, that using one is about as Southern as buttermilk and cornbread. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 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