bread-and-butter

1 of 2

adjective

bread-and-but·​ter ˈbred-ən(d)-ˈbə-tər 

1

a

: being as basic as the earning of one's livelihood

bread-and-butter issues

b(1)

: reliable

our bread-and-butter repertoire

(2)

: dependable as a source of income

a company's bread-and-butter products

2

: sent or given as thanks for hospitality

a bread-and-butter letter

bread and butter

2 of 2

noun

: a means of sustenance or livelihood

Examples of bread-and-butter in a Sentence

Noun

Casual clothing has always been the company's bread and butter.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

DePodesta said that despite the new priorities, the FBI will continue to focus on its bread-and-butter areas of operation, including terrorism, gang and gun violence, crimes against children, drug trafficking and public corruption. —Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025

He’s routinely refocused Labour away from metropolitan lifestyle liberalism, to bread-and-butter issues of government delivering good service. —The Editors, National Review, 17 May 2025

Noun

Our bread and butter and flagship program are the K9 rehab seminars. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025

What are some examples of unique ways denim brands are using Lenzing fibers in their current products? KT: Right now, the ‘bread and butter’ of the market is authentic-looking wide-leg jeans with a soft hand feel. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1770, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bread-and-butter

• kilometre
• butter
• clutter
• cutter
• flutter
• gutter
• mutter
• nutter
• putter
• rutter
• shutter
• sputter

Kids Definition

bread-and-butter

adjective

ˌbred-ᵊn-ˈbət-ər

1

a

: concerned with or being as basic as earning a living

bread-and-butter economic issues

b

: dependable

bread-and-butter products that always sell

2

: sent or given as thanks for hospitality

a bread-and-butter note