1
: a solid emulsion of fat globules, air, and water made by churning milk or cream and used as food
2
: a buttery substance: such as
a
: any of various fatty oils remaining nearly solid at ordinary temperatures
b
: a creamy food spread
especially
: one made of ground roasted nuts
peanut butter
3
: flattery
buttered; buttering; butters
: to spread with or as if with butter
Synonyms
Examples of butter in a Sentence
Noun
Would you like some butter for your potato?
Sauté the onions in melted butter.
Verb
butter a piece of bread
Recent Examples on the Web
Maggie Clancy, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
To reduce saturated fat, avoid full-fat dairy and butter when cooking your oatmeal.
—Karina Tolentino, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024
Matt Fuchs, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024
San Antonio diners who like to butter their buns with the honey cinnamon butter served at Texas Roadhouse are in for a treat.
—Elizabeth L. T. Moore, San Antonio Express-News, 29 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for butter 
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Noun
Embracing the method dressing approach, Hilton Rothschild wore a bespoke skirt suit by Rebecca Vallance in trending butter yellow to the horse racing event.
—Maggie Clancy, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
To reduce saturated fat, avoid full-fat dairy and butter when cooking your oatmeal.
—Karina Tolentino, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
Its supporting cast members are buttered mashed potatoes and starchy vegetables like peas.
—Matt Fuchs, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024
San Antonio diners who like to butter their buns with the honey cinnamon butter served at Texas Roadhouse are in for a treat.
—Elizabeth L. T. Moore, San Antonio Express-News, 29 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for butter
Dictionary Entries Near butter
Cite this Entry
“Butter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butter. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
butter
1 of 2 noun
but·ter
ˈbət-ər 
1
: a solid yellow fatty food made by churning milk or cream
2
: a substance resembling butter in texture or use
apple butter
buttery
adjective
-ə-rē
butter
2 of 2 verb
: to spread with or as if with butter
Etymology
Noun
Old English butere "butter," from Latin butyrum (same meaning), from Greek boutyron, from bous "ox, cow" and tyros "cheese" — related to buffalo
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