buttermilk

American  

[buht-er-milk] / ˈbʌt ərˌmɪlk /

noun

1. the more or less acidulous liquid remaining after butter has been separated from milk or cream.

2. a similar liquid made from whole or skim milk with the addition of a bacterial culture.

---

buttermilk British  

/ ˈbʌtəˌmɪlk /

noun

1. the sourish liquid remaining after the butter has been separated from milk, often used for making scones and soda bread

---

Etymology

Origin of buttermilk

First recorded in 1520–30; butter + milk

Example Sentences

A version that lives up to the memory: tender and plush from ricotta, edged with buttermilk tang, and threaded with cinnamon that finally takes the lead.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

Serve alongside your favorite condiments, whether that’s hot sauce or buttermilk ranch.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

The researchers found no association between dementia and consumption of low-fat cheese, low-fat cream, high- or low-fat milk, butter or fermented milk, which includes yogurt, kefir and buttermilk.

From Science Daily • Dec. 21, 2025

Nichols’s large donation of ceramics to the museum included an Izumo ware teapot glazed in the creamy buttermilk hue that distinguishes its type.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 12, 2025

She went to the truck and came back with a gallon jar of buttermilk.

From "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White

Related Words

• cream
• half-and-half