butler

noun

but·​ler ˈbət-lər 

1

: a manservant having charge of the wines and liquors

2

: the chief male servant of a household who has charge of other employees, receives guests, directs the serving of meals, and performs various personal services

Examples of butler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

No butlers to be found here, but the staff was perfectly polite. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024

Set against the inimitable backdrop of Raffles Singapore–the brand’s flagship property, which opened in 1887–the campaign celebrates Raffles’ legendary butler service, and its role in creating unparalleled guest experiences. —Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

All rooms and suites feature volcanic stone hydrotherapy tubs, private heated plunge pools, lofty ceilings, 24-hour butler service, and lighted in-wall jellyfish habitats. —Katherine Alex Beaven, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2024

Two restaurants, Maharaja and Maharani, offer top-notch international fine-dining and authentic Indian fare, complete with personalized butler service. —Navya Verma, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English buteler, from Anglo-French butiller, from Old French botele bottle — more at bottle

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing butler

• butler's pantry
• silent butler

Kids Definition

butler

noun

but·​ler ˈbət-lər 

: a chief male household servant

Etymology

Middle English buteler "household servant in charge of wines," from early French butiller (same meaning), from botele "bottle," derived from Latin buttis "cask"

Biographical Definition

Butler 1 of 5

biographical name (1)

But·​ler ˈbət-lər 

Benjamin Franklin 1818–1893 American general and politician

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biographical name (2)

Joseph 1692–1752 English theologian

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biographical name (3)

Nicholas Murray 1862–1947 American educator; president Columbia University (1901–45)

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biographical name (4)

Samuel 1612–1680 English satirical poet

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biographical name (5)

Samuel 1835–1902 English novelist and satirist