butterfat

noun

but·​ter·​fat ˈbə-tər-ˌfat How to pronounce butterfat (audio)
: the natural fat of milk and chief constituent of butter consisting essentially of a mixture of glycerides (such as those derived from butyric, capric, caproic, and caprylic acids)

Examples of butterfat 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.
The milk produced by our dairy cows has become creamier and more luscious as breakthroughs in cow genetics and nutrition have pushed the fat component of milk—also known as butterfat—to all-time highs. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026 European butter typically contains a higher percentage of butterfat—between 82% and 86%—leaving less room for water. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026 Crème fraiche is a rich, cultured cream with a high butterfat content and mild, tangy flavor. Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026 Premium, not necessarily in price point, but in their exceptionally high butterfat contents, beyond 10%. Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for butterfat

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of butterfat was in 1871

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Cite this Entry

“Butterfat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butterfat. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

butterfat

noun
but·​ter·​fat -ˌfat How to pronounce butterfat (audio)
: the natural fat of milk from which butter is made

Medical Definition

butterfat

noun
but·​ter·​fat -ˌfat How to pronounce butterfat (audio)
: the natural fat of milk and chief constituent of butter consisting essentially of a mixture of glycerides (as butyrin, olein, and palmitin)

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