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
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
Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025
For a side dish, Collier recommends the sweet potato yeast rolll, served with a decadent sweet potato honey butter.
—Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2025
Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
The bun was buttered and toasted to perfection.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for butter
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Noun
Beat sugar and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
—Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025
For a side dish, Collier recommends the sweet potato yeast rolll, served with a decadent sweet potato honey butter.
—Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
Meanwhile, spread 1 tablespoon of the butter evenly on 2 of the bread slices; add to second skillet, buttered side down.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
The bun was buttered and toasted to perfection.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for butter
Cite this Entry
“Butter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butter. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.
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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