bread-and-butter

1 of 2

adjective

bread-and-but·​ter ˈbred-ən(d)-ˈbə-tər How to pronounce bread-and-butter (audio)
1
a
: being as basic as the earning of one's livelihood
bread-and-butter issues
b(1)
: reliable
our bread-and-butter repertoire
(2)
: dependable as a source of income
a company's bread-and-butter products
2
: sent or given as thanks for hospitality
a bread-and-butter letter

bread and butter

2 of 2

noun

: a means of sustenance or livelihood

Examples of bread-and-butter in a Sentence

Noun Casual clothing has always been the company's bread and butter.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Those numbers suggest that the Republicans believe the transgender attack line is a motivating issue for their base, even on par with bread-and-butter economic concerns like reducing inflation or creating jobs. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 From blue-collar workers to parents struggling with inflation, people want leaders who prioritize bread-and-butter issues over ideological litmus tests. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
Beware the Batman New Batman series have been the bread and butter of Warner Bros. animation for years, but not all of them are a hole-in-one. Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2024 Related Articles The brand’s bread and butter is one-of-a-kind, versatile pieces of tableware, candles and decor pieces designed and made in Los Angeles by skilled ceramic artists that are both refined and effortlessly raw. Sofia Celeste, WWD, 18 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for bread-and-butter 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bread-and-butter was in 1770

Dictionary Entries Near bread-and-butter

bread

bread-and-butter

bread and butter

Cite this Entry

“Bread-and-butter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bread-and-butter. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bread-and-butter

adjective
ˌbred-ᵊn-ˈbət-ər
1
a
: concerned with or being as basic as earning a living
bread-and-butter economic issues
b
: dependable
bread-and-butter products that always sell
2
: sent or given as thanks for hospitality
a bread-and-butter note
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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