butler

noun

but·​ler ˈbət-lər How to pronounce butler (audio)
Synonyms of butler
1
: a manservant having charge of the wines and liquors
2
: the chief male servant of a household who has charge of other employees, receives guests, directs the serving of meals, and performs various personal services

Examples of butler in a Sentence

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.
Bos, in a far cry from his cerebral Hamlet, embraces the physical comedy of dual supporting roles, the Jeeves-like butler Lane and the Cockney servant Merriman. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 Book a room in the adults-only tower to enjoy views of the Gulf of Mexico, beach butler service, and adult-exclusive rooftop pool access. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 7 July 2026 Aboard the Crystal Symphony not so long ago, our butler was fretting about matzo balls. — Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 That’s true of the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex not just as adults, but going all the way back to their childhood, according to their mother Princess Diana’s former butler Paul Burrell. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for butler

Word History

Etymology

Middle English buteler, from Anglo-French butiller, from Old French botele bottle — more at bottle

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of butler was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing butler

Rhymes for butler

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Browse Nearby Words

butine
butler
Butler
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Cite this Entry

“Butler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butler. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

butler

noun
but·​ler ˈbət-lər How to pronounce butler (audio)
: a chief male household servant
Etymology

Middle English buteler "household servant in charge of wines," from early French butiller (same meaning), from botele "bottle," derived from Latin buttis "cask"

Biographical Definition

Butler 1 of 5

biographical name (1)

But·​ler ˈbət-lər How to pronounce Butler (audio)
Benjamin Franklin 1818–1893 American general and politician

Butler

2 of 5

biographical name (2)

Joseph 1692–1752 English theologian

Butler

3 of 5

biographical name (3)

Nicholas Murray 1862–1947 American educator; president Columbia University (1901–45)

Butler

4 of 5

biographical name (4)

Samuel 1612–1680 English satirical poet

Butler

5 of 5

biographical name (5)

Samuel 1835–1902 English novelist and satirist

More from Merriam-Webster on butler

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for butler

Nglish: Translation of butler for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about butler

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