Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

butter knife

noun
  1. a small knife with a dull blade, for cutting, serving, or spreading butter.
Show More

Origin of butter knife

First recorded in 1840–50
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for butter knife

Historical Examples of butter knife

  • "It's my practice to mix the bitter with the sweet," said the doctor, waving the butter-knife.

    Prudy Keeping House

    Sophie May

  • Always take butter with the butter-knife, and then do not forget to return that knife to the butter-plate.

  • Set the butter on two plates, one on either side, with a butter-knife by each.

    A Treatise on Domestic Economy

    Catherine Esther Beecher

  • Always make use of the butter-knife, sugar-spoon and salt-spoon, instead of using your knife, spoon or fingers.

    Our Deportment

    John H. Young

  • Use the butter-knife, salt-spoon, and sugar-tongs as scrupulously when alone, as if a room full of people were watching you.