buttermilk

[buht-er-milk]

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

/ ˈbʌtəˌmɪlk /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of buttermilk¹

First recorded in 1520–30; butter + milk

Example Sentences

Chicken and Dumplings float in a thyme-scented broth enriched with cream; the fluffy buttermilk dumplings melt in your mouth.

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L.A. is a city filled with incredible pancake options, whether you prefer yours with a base of buttermilk or cornmeal, filled with blueberries or bananas, or topped with whipped cream.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Just add buttermilk and mayo, and you had a little taste of California dude-ranch hospitality — no horse required.

Read more on Salon

Her salads run the gamut—apple with pecorino, lentils and radicchio; blueberry with oat groats, chicories and buttermilk; raw cabbage with ground cherries, cilantro, pepitas and lime.

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And then there are the newer versions — birds brined in buttermilk or their skins lacquered to glossy, bronzed perfection.

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Related Words

• cream 
• half-and-half