margarine

noun

mar·​ga·​rine ˈmär-jə-rən 

-ˌrēn;

ˈmärj-rən

: a food product made usually from vegetable oils churned with ripened skim milk to a smooth emulsion and used like butter

Examples of margarine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 tablespoon of margarine (use the stick type). —Annabelle Canela, Parents, 16 Apr. 2025

Avocado Swapping out fat sources like margarine, butter, or mayonnaise with healthy fats like avocado may lower heart disease risk. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 22 Jan. 2025

The flavor could be affected, but particularly when making baked goods and desserts, margarine can affect the texture due to an excess of moisture and difference in ingredients. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025

Additionally, the researchers noted that subjects may have sometimes mistakenly reported margarine intake as butter because the two foods look so much alike. —Sarah Garone, Health, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, ultimately from Greek margaron pearl, probably back-formation from margaritēs

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for margarine

• oleomargarine

Kids Definition

margarine

noun

mar·​ga·​rine ˈmärj-(ə-)rən 

ˈmärj-ə-ˌrēn

: a food product made from usually vegetable oils and skim milk and used as a spread and a cooking fat

Medical Definition

margarine

noun

mar·​ga·​rine ˈmärj-(ə-)rən, -ə-ˌrēn 

: a food product made usually from vegetable oils churned with ripened skim milk to a smooth emulsion, often fortified with vitamins A and D, and used as a substitute for butter