butterfat

noun

but·​ter·​fat ˈbə-tər-ˌfat How to pronounce butterfat (audio)
plural butterfats
: the natural fat of milk and chief constituent of butter consisting essentially of a mixture of triglycerides (such as those derived from palmitic, butyric, myristic, and caproic acids) : milk fat

Examples of butterfat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That federal regulation still stands over a century later, meaning that most standard American butter produced is at that level of 80% milkfat (also called butterfat). — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026 Selective breeding and high-tech dairy production have increased the supply of butterfat, driving wholesale prices down. — Isabelle Labianco, CNN Money, 19 July 2026 And also the rich, creamy ice cream of 14 to 16 percent butterfat, a high percentage. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2026 Wisconsin dairy is known for its higher butterfat, which contributes to a rich, fresh flavor and creamy texture. — Karla Walsh, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for butterfat

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of butterfat was in 1871

Rhymes for butterfat

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Browse Nearby Words

buttered joint
butterfat
butterfingered
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Cite this Entry

“Butterfat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butterfat. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

butterfat

noun
but·​ter·​fat -ˌfat How to pronounce butterfat (audio)
: the natural fat of milk from which butter is made

Medical Definition

butterfat

noun
but·​ter·​fat -ˌfat How to pronounce butterfat (audio)
: the natural fat of milk and chief constituent of butter consisting essentially of a mixture of glycerides (as butyrin, olein, and palmitin)

More from Merriam-Webster on butterfat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about butterfat

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