Butt: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is informal and can sometimes be seen as slightly vulgar or inappropriate in polite company. Often used in casual conversations or among friends.

• He fell and landed right on his butt.
• Get off your butt and do something!

This is a technical and more anatomical term. It is appropriate in medical, fitness, and formal contexts.

• The doctor asked him to lie down to examine his buttocks.
• One of the exercises targets the muscles in the buttocks.

This is a more neutral term and can be used in both casual and semi-formal settings. It is less likely to offend.

• He slipped on the ice and hurt his backside.
• She turned to show her backside to the camera.

This is a French word often used in English to sound fancy or humorous. It has a playful and slightly sophisticated connotation.

• She has a well-toned derriere.
• He made a joke about his derriere.

Use 'butt' when referring to the end or remaining small part of a cigarette after it has been smoked. It can also mean the lower or back part of something, like in 'butt of a joke'.

• He tossed the cigarette butt into the trash can.
• The comedian made him the butt of the joke.

Use 'cigarette' when talking about the whole product that people smoke. It is a small roll of finely cut tobacco wrapped in a thin paper.

• She stepped outside to smoke a cigarette.
• The smoker pulled a cigarette from the pack.

Often used to describe a playful or accidental collision, usually where someone lightly taps or bumps into someone else with their head or body.

• During the game, he accidentally butted his friend in the side.
• The goat butted its head against the fence playfully.

Implies a forceful, deliberate impact or collision, usually with considerable power and often with the intent to cause damage. This term has a more aggressive connotation.

• The car rammed into the wall.
• The ship tried to ram the other vessel.
• He tried to ram the locked door open with his shoulder.

Used to describe a minor, usually accidental, collision or impact, often resulting in a slight jolt or shake. It can also refer to minor physical injuries or slight increases in something.

• She bumped into the table and spilled her drink.
• I bumped my head on the shelf.
• There was a small bump in the road.

This word describes applying force to move someone or something away. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as physically moving objects or urging someone to take action. Can have a negative connotation when used to describe forceful behavior.

• She had to push the door to open it.
• He pushed the chair across the room.
• She pushed her friend to pursue their dreams.