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

The Boston Globe reported on a patrol boat crew that consisted of a newspaper photographer, an artist, a salesman, a garage mechanic and a butler. —David Wolman, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025

Think about how fabulous the sunset will be from your cozy spot, and feel like royalty with 24-hour in-room dining, in-room check-in, and a butler who tries to anticipate your every need. —Sheryl Nance-Nash, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2024

Buy Now 13 of 15 'The Remains of the Day' by Kazuo Ishiguro This classic Booker Prize winner from the Nobel Prize in Literature-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro is the story of a butler named Stevens. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024

The red button, which was on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, summoned a butler to bring Trump his favorite drink when pressed. —Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Dec. 2024

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

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

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biographical name (2)

Joseph 1692–1752 English theologian

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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