French word

beurre

Pronunciation

IPA/bœʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbutter

Example

Je mets du beurre sur ma tartine.

I put butter on my toast.

Illustration for beurre (butter)

More examples

Je fais fondre du beurre pour préparer une sauce.

I melt some butter to prepare a sauce.

Core concept

A pale dairy fat that is firm when cool, melts with heat, and enriches bread and cooked food.

Common phrases

  • faire fondre du beurre

    melt some butter

  • morceau de beurre

    piece of butter

  • cuillère de beurre

    spoonful of butter

Similar words

margarine: A solid fat made from vegetable oils, used for spreading on bread or cooking.
huile: A liquid fat obtained from plants or seeds, used for frying and dressings.
crème: A smooth white dairy product made by concentrating or churning milk, used in cooking and desserts.
confiture: A sweet, jam-like food made by boiling fruit with sugar, often spread on bread.

Definition in French

Corps gras d'origine laitière, solide à température ambiante mais fondant à la chaleur, employé pour tartiner, cuire et parfumer les plats.

Word origin

French beurre developed through Old French from Latin butyrum, which comes from Greek boutyron, formed from bous, 'ox', and tyros, 'cheese'.

Usage tips

  • Beurre is masculine, so an unspecified amount normally takes du: du beurre.

Opposites

  • margarinemargarinenoun

Related words

  • beurrerbutterverb
  • beurrébutteredadjective

Word lists with this word