buttermilk

noun

but·​ter·​milk ˈbə-tər-ˌmilk 

1

: the liquid left after butter has been churned from milk or cream

2

: cultured milk made by the addition of suitable bacteria to sweet milk

Examples of buttermilk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Just like buttermilk in biscuits, cottage cheese can lend some extra tang and decadence to many comfort foods like lasagnas and casseroles. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 13 June 2026

After a quick buttermilk and kosher salt brine, the chicken is ready to be fried until golden brown. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026

With more shaking or churning, these grains grow and separate from the watery, naturally low-fat buttermilk. —Rosemary Trout, The Conversation, 10 June 2026

Whisk buttermilk, sour cream, eggs, and 1 cup of the brown butter in another bowl. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for buttermilk

• ilk
• silk
• whilk
• wilk

Kids Definition

buttermilk

noun

but·​ter·​milk ˈbət-ər-ˌmilk 

1

: the liquid left after the butterfat has been churned from milk or cream

2

: milk from which all or part of the cream has been removed and which has been soured by adding certain bacteria

Medical Definition

buttermilk

noun

but·​ter·​milk ˈbət-ər-ˌmilk 

1

: the liquid left after butter has been churned from milk or cream

2

: cultured milk made by the addition of suitable bacteria to sweet milk