ˈbʌt 
bət
1
—used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way
I don't know her, but my husband does.
He wants to go to the movies, but I want to go to the museum.
He plans to visit Boston and Chicago, but not New York.
The book is not a biography at all but (instead is) a fictional account.
It's not the music I don't like but (rather) the band themselves.
She got the promotion not by luck but by hard work.
The fighting has been going on for years. But to really understand the current situation, you have to look at the history of the region.
She called his name, but he did not answer.
He fell but (he) wasn't hurt/injured.
I told him to stay, but he refused to.
It might have been raining, but it was still a nice wedding.
I'd love to come to the party, but [=however] I'll be away that weekend.
I'm sorry, but I won't be able to help you.
The dress is quite plain but (it's) pretty.
They were polite, but not really friendly.
Not only was it quite cold on our trip, but it rained the whole time too.
I can't do it—but neither can you.
2
: other than : except
We had no choice but to leave.
They've done nothing but argue all afternoon.
3
—used in speech at the beginning of a sentence that expresses surprise, shock, etc.
But you promised (that) you would help me with this.
But it's not fair for them to treat him this way!
They've arrived? But I thought they were coming Tuesday.
4
—used with a repeated word for emphasis
Nobody but nobody could solve the riddle.
: other than (something or someone) : except
We had nothing but rain all week. [=it rained for the entire week]
There was no one there but him.
I didn't tell anyone but my sister.
Who but you would think that?
No one but you would try that. = No one would try that but you.
I was anything but tired. [=I was not at all tired]
formal
1
: only entry 2
They have but two weeks to get ready.
—sometimes used for emphasisIf they had but given me a chance, I know I could have done it.
He was here but five minutes ago.
She is still but a child.
This new product offers many advantages: speed, convenience, and durability, to name but a few.
2
—used in negative statements to say that something must happen
Anyone who reads the book cannot but feel sympathy for him. [=must feel sympathy for him]
I could not (help) but wonder [=I felt compelled to wonder, I could not help wondering] why she had lied.
plural buts
: a reason someone gives for not doing or agreeing with something
—usually plural
I want this done today, and I don't want to hear any buts about it.
(US) As far as I'm concerned, she's the most qualified candidate, and there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it! = (Brit) There are no ifs and buts about it! [=it is certain that she is the most qualified candidate]
Cite this Entry
“But.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/but. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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