butter

but-ter · noun, verb

imported

Definitions

noun, verb

  1. 1.

    A pale yellow solid made by churning cream, used as a spread or in cooking.

  2. 2.

    To spread butter on something.

  3. 3.

    A substance with a similar consistency to butter, made from other ingredients.

  4. 4.

    [informal]To flatter someone excessively (usually with "up").

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    butter someone up — To flatter excessively.
  • •
    bread and butter — Basic livelihood or income.
  • •
    like butter — Very smoothly.
  • •
    butter wouldn't melt in one's mouth — Appearing innocent or demure.
  • •
    know which side one's bread is buttered on — To know where one's advantage lies.

Related words

See also: butters, cream, dairy, margarine
Synonyms: margarine, spread

Etymology

From Old English butere, from Latin butyrum, from Greek boutyron ("cow cheese"), from bous ("cow") + tyros ("cheese"). First attested in Old English.