What is butter knife? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of butter knife in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of butter knife

butter knifenoun

dao cắt bơ

/ˈbʌtə naɪf//ˈbʌtər naɪf/

Where does the word butter knife come from?

The origin of the term "butter knife" can be traced back to the late 19th century in North America. The word is a compound of "butter" and "knife", which describe the function and appearance of this kitchen utensil. Originally, "butter" referred to a spreadable dairy product made by churning cream. In the early days of butter production, it was often shipped and sold in solid blocks. To spread butter on bread, people used various items, including flat stones, spoons, and even the blunt edge of a boning knife. These crude tools proved to be inefficient and sometimes damaged the loaf's integrity. In the mid-1800s, manufacturers began producing a new type of knife intended specifically for spreading butter, sometimes called a "spreading knife" or "butter spreader." These knives had a shorter, sturdier blade than traditional knives, with a rounded tip and narrower point. They were typically made from materials like wood, ivory or horn, and bronze or pewter handles. The term "butter knife" became widely used in the latter half of the 19th century as a generic term to refer to any type of utensil used for spreading butter. Today, butter knives are commonly made from plastic, stainless steel, or other durable materials and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different preferences and needs.

Example of vocabulary butter knifenamespace

  • The mother handed the butter knife to her preschooler, allowing her to spread butter onto her toast for the first time independently.
  • The newlyweds used a butter knife to spread creamy peanut butter onto their English muffins for a quick and easy breakfast.
  • The chef slipped the butter knife into the hot melting snow and used it as a chisel to clear the steps of the restaurant in the aftermath of a blizzard.
  • The farmer placed a sticky wedge of butter onto bread and gently cut it into uniform slices with his trusty butter knife.
  • The child used the butter knife to expertly scrape every last bit of peanut butter out of the jar, leaving no mess behind.

Synonyms and related words for butter knife


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