bread-and-but·ter
ˈbred-ən(d)-ˈbə-tər 
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
: 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
John Towfighi, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
And while Russell knows Peoples has worked on his perimeter shooting to showcase a diverse game to colleges, Russell also encourages Peoples to stick with his bread-and-butter strengths.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 22 Jan. 2026
Roman, instead, shied away from his bread and butter.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bread-and-butter
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Adjective
Setting card interest rates is part of the bread-and-butter model for major banks and credit card companies.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
And while Russell knows Peoples has worked on his perimeter shooting to showcase a diverse game to colleges, Russell also encourages Peoples to stick with his bread-and-butter strengths.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Noun
Sure, skin care is my bread and butter.
—Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 22 Jan. 2026
Roman, instead, shied away from his bread and butter.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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 28 Jan. 2026.
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