butler

noun

but·​ler ˈbət-lər 

1

: a manservant having charge of the wines and liquors

2

: the chief male servant of a household who has charge of other employees, receives guests, directs the serving of meals, and performs various personal services

Examples of butler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ramsey says the butler’s pantry focuses on organization and convenience. —Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Apr. 2025

Add in underground valet and self-parking, a provisions shop, and a concierge service that operates with the foresight of a private butler, and the entire experience begins to feel more like a five-star resort than a residence — albeit one with a custom decanter and a key fob to the good stuff. —Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Stays here include 24/7 butler service, food and beverages (yes, that includes bubbly), and a dedicated car and driver, plus a team of security agents. —Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2025

Each villa has a dedicated butler, and the resort’s culinary offerings span 20 countries. —Kaila Yu, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English buteler, from Anglo-French butiller, from Old French botele bottle — more at bottle

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing butler

• butler's pantry
• silent butler

Rhymes for butler

• cutler
• sutler

Kids Definition

butler

noun

but·​ler ˈbət-lər 

: a chief male household servant

Etymology

Middle English buteler "household servant in charge of wines," from early French butiller (same meaning), from botele "bottle," derived from Latin buttis "cask"

Biographical Definition

Butler 1 of 5

biographical name (1)

But·​ler ˈbət-lər 

Benjamin Franklin 1818–1893 American general and politician

Butler

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biographical name (2)

Joseph 1692–1752 English theologian

Butler

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biographical name (3)

Nicholas Murray 1862–1947 American educator; president Columbia University (1901–45)

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biographical name (4)

Samuel 1612–1680 English satirical poet

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biographical name (5)

Samuel 1835–1902 English novelist and satirist