Butter

/ˈbʌtər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A solid dairy product made from cream, used as a spread or for cooking.
She spread butter on her toast every morning.
A yellowish fatty substance produced by churning cream, used in various culinary applications.
The recipe calls for unsalted butter for a richer flavor.
verb
To spread butter on something.
I will butter the bread before toasting it.
To treat something with butter to prevent sticking or to enhance flavor.
He buttered the baking dish before pouring in the batter.

Etymology

From Old English 'butter', derived from Latin 'butyrum', Greek 'bous', meaning cow.

Common Phrases and Expressions

butter someone up:
To flatter someone to gain their favor.
the butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth:
Describes someone who appears innocent but is actually not.
butter fingers:
Used to describe someone who drops things often.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

To butter up someone
He was trying to butter up his boss for a promotion.
Butterface
She has a great body, but her face is a bit of a butterface.