brown butter

noun

: butter that has been heated in a pan until it has a light brown color and a nutty flavor and aroma
Serve bisque topped with mushrooms and drizzled with brown butter.Gourmet, November 2002

called also beurre noisette

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brown butter was in 1725

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near brown butter

Cite this Entry

“Brown butter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brown%20butter. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!