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
Eileen Appelbaum, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
The burger is finished with American cheese, housemade bread-and-butter pickles and a special sauce.
—Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 20 May 2026
Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 12 June 2026
Obviously that’s our bread and butter.
—Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bread-and-butter
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Adjective
What just happened in Virginia should therefore serve as a template for other such efforts, as political leaders seek to win on bread-and-butter issues related to affordability.
—Eileen Appelbaum, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
The burger is finished with American cheese, housemade bread-and-butter pickles and a special sauce.
—Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 20 May 2026
Noun
Reruns are Food Network’s bread and butter.
—Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 12 June 2026
Obviously that’s our bread and butter.
—Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 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 16 Jun. 2026.
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