butter
word
Definition
A soft, pale yellow dairy food made from cream, used especially for spreading on bread and for cooking or baking. In some contexts, it can also be used as a verb meaning to spread butter on something.
Usage & Nuances
Usually an uncountable noun: say 'some butter' or 'a little butter,' not 'a butter' for the food in general. Common collocations include 'butter a slice of bread,' 'melt butter,' and 'butter knife.' In everyday English, 'butter' usually means dairy butter, unlike margarine or other spreads.
Example Sentences
This sauce tastes better with real butter, not margarine.
natural
I put butter on my toast every morning.
basic
Can you buy some butter at the store?
basic
The recipe needs two tablespoons of butter.
basic
Let the butter soften first, or it won't mix well.
natural
Could you butter the bread while I make the eggs?
natural