Butter: meaning, definitions and examples

There is a duplicate of 'butter'. Usage and examples same as above.

• He melted butter in the pan.
• Butter is essential for making flaky pastries.

A general term for a variety of substances that can be spread on bread, including butter, margarine, and other flavored spreads.

• She bought a garlic herb spread for the dinner rolls.
• This spread is perfect for sandwiches.

A butter substitute made from vegetable oils, often used for spreading and baking, typically less rich than butter.

• He prefers margarine on his toast for health reasons.
• You can use margarine instead of butter in this recipe.

A type of clarified butter used primarily in South Asian cuisine, has a nutty flavor.

• She added a spoonful of ghee to the curry.
• Ghee is often used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Informally, it can mean flattery or excessive praise, often insincerely.

• He tried to butter up his boss before asking for a raise
• Don't butter me up; just tell me the truth

Indicates distributing a substance evenly over a surface, can be used in both culinary and non-culinary contexts.

• Spread the mayonnaise on the bread
• The news spread quickly around town

Used when covering a surface with a thin layer of a substance, often in cooking or painting.

• Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs before frying
• The walls need another coat of paint

Usually refers to applying a fatty or oily substance to reduce friction or prevent sticking, commonly in cooking or machinery maintenance.

• Grease the baking pan so the cake doesn't stick
• You need to grease the gears to keep the machine running smoothly