butternut

noun

but·​ter·​nut ˈbə-tər-ˌnət 

plural butternuts

1

: an eastern North American tree (Juglans cinerea) of the walnut family with sweet egg-shaped nuts and light brown wood

called also white walnut

2

a

: a light yellowish brown

b

butternuts plural : homespun overalls dyed brown with a butternut extract

c

: a soldier or partisan of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War

Examples of butternut in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The food South African chef Celeste Kotze was at Mala Mala game reserve in South Africa, hence the range of southern African favourites – butternut salads, milk tarts, Bailey’s ice-cream – alongside multinational treats. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Plants typically allowed to trail, such as cantaloupe and honeydew melon, as well as butternut and spaghetti squash, can also be trained to grow vertically, saving garden space in the process. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 May 2026

The seeds of other varieties of squash, including acorn and butternut. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2026

In this cakelike dessert from legendary Montreal restaurant Joe Beef, maple syrup brings out the earthy sweetness of the two types of squash—butternut and delicata. — Saveur Editors, Saveur, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing butternut

• butternut squash

Rhymes for butternut

• cocoanut
• coconut
• hazelnut
• undercut
• abut
• catgut
• chesnut
• chestnut
• donut
• doughnut
• groundnut
• haircut

Kids Definition

butternut

noun

but·​ter·​nut -ˌnət 

: the edible oily nut of a North American tree related to the walnut

also : this tree