bread-and-butter

1 of 2

adjective

bread-and-but·​ter ˈbred-ən(d)-ˈbə-tər 

1

a

: being as basic as the earning of one's livelihood

bread-and-butter issues

b(1)

: reliable

our bread-and-butter repertoire

(2)

: dependable as a source of income

a company's bread-and-butter products

2

: sent or given as thanks for hospitality

a bread-and-butter letter

bread and butter

2 of 2

noun

: a means of sustenance or livelihood

Examples of bread-and-butter in a Sentence

Noun

Casual clothing has always been the company's bread and butter.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Those numbers suggest that the Republicans believe the transgender attack line is a motivating issue for their base, even on par with bread-and-butter economic concerns like reducing inflation or creating jobs. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

From blue-collar workers to parents struggling with inflation, people want leaders who prioritize bread-and-butter issues over ideological litmus tests. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Noun

Beware the Batman New Batman series have been the bread and butter of Warner Bros. animation for years, but not all of them are a hole-in-one. —Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2024

Related Articles The brand’s bread and butter is one-of-a-kind, versatile pieces of tableware, candles and decor pieces designed and made in Los Angeles by skilled ceramic artists that are both refined and effortlessly raw. —Sofia Celeste, WWD, 18 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1770, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

bread-and-butter

adjective

ˌbred-ᵊn-ˈbət-ər

1

a

: concerned with or being as basic as earning a living

bread-and-butter economic issues

b

: dependable

bread-and-butter products that always sell

2

: sent or given as thanks for hospitality

a bread-and-butter note