buttermilk

noun

but·​ter·​milk ˈbə-tər-ˌmilk How to pronounce buttermilk (audio)
1
: the liquid left after butter has been churned from milk or cream
2
: cultured milk made by the addition of suitable bacteria to sweet milk

Examples of buttermilk 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.
Sizzlin' Sriracha Dippers (Mild) — Chicken Dippers marinated in pickled garlic sriracha, served with a buttermilk ranch dip cup and a Hot Ones Sriracha sachet. MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 Brown sugar, cinnamon, and buttermilk make this simple pumpkin cake not only super Southern but delicious. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025 I’’ll say up front that the famous Cracker Barrel buttermilk biscuits were still on-target. Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025 Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dill, chipotle chile and adobo sauce, onion powder, 1 teaspoon of the garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of the salt and ½ teaspoon of the pepper in a medium bowl. Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for buttermilk

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of buttermilk was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Buttermilk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buttermilk. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

buttermilk

noun
but·​ter·​milk ˈbət-ər-ˌmilk How to pronounce buttermilk (audio)
1
: the liquid left after the butterfat has been churned from milk or cream
2
: milk from which all or part of the cream has been removed and which has been soured by adding certain bacteria

Medical Definition

buttermilk

noun
but·​ter·​milk ˈbət-ər-ˌmilk How to pronounce buttermilk (audio)
1
: the liquid left after butter has been churned from milk or cream
2
: cultured milk made by the addition of suitable bacteria to sweet milk

More from Merriam-Webster on buttermilk

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