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

Eternia’s Premium Breakfast Slam offers buttermilk pancakes topped with mint chocolate chip ice cream and chocolate drizzle. —Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026

The depth of dates and molasses highlight bran’s natural sweetness, and oil and buttermilk lend a touch of richness. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

Try Martha's Buttermilk Fried Chicken, which calls for a salt brine and a buttermilk marinade. —Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 14 Apr. 2026

The nuggets are marinated in dill pickle juice and seasoned to perfection with a buttermilk-cayenne pepper mixture. —Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 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