butter knife

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of butter knife

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Crisp cookies soften into clouds of lightly sweetened cream, layered with jam or mascarpone, until the whole thing collapses just enough to make slicing with a butter knife feel like a small act of rebellion.

From Salon

This felt manageable until I found myself, a few weeks in, sawing at a kabocha squash with a butter knife.

From Los Angeles Times

The kind you slice with a butter knife and serve on a chipped floral plate, cool and collapsing in the best way.

From Salon

Their self-awareness is part of the charm; they might wield magic like us mortals wield butter knives, but they’re relatable.

From Los Angeles Times

“Our butter knife was a brain retractor,” he says with a playful smile.

From Los Angeles Times