Definition and meaning of English word "butter"
butter
/ˈbʌtər/
Meaning
NounA soft, fatty foodstuff made by churning the cream of milk (generally cow's milk).
How to use
In culinary contexts, butter is often used to describe a specific type of fat, whereas in everyday conversation, it can refer to any spreadable fat. For example, 'She spread butter on her toast' is a common phrase, but 'The chef added a pat of butter to the sauce' is more formal. Learners often confuse 'butter' with 'oil', but they have different textures and uses.
🇬🇧 English
butter
Example
I eat butter.
She spreads butter.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- butter up— to flatter or try to win someone over
- butter knife— a type of knife used for spreading butter
- butterfly effect— a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of events
- butterfly stroke— a swimming stroke
- butterfly garden— a garden designed to attract butterflies
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #131 in English
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common English words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "butter" mean?▼
The English word "butter" means "butter" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "butter"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "butter" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "butter"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Used in cooking." (which translates as "butter").
More Food & Drinks words
Related reading
Duolingo vs Anki vs Apps: Comparing Language Learning Methods in 2026
An honest comparison of popular language learning approaches: gamified apps, SRS flashcards, textbooks, tutors, and immersion. Pros, cons, and who each is best for.
Read →MethodWhat Is Spaced Repetition? The SM-2 Algorithm Explained Simply
Spaced repetition is the single most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Learn how the forgetting curve works, how the SM-2 algorithm calculates review intervals, and why 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours of cramming.
Read →