# butler

/ˈbətɫɝ/ (US) · /bˈʌtlɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/butler
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. head servant

noun · CEFR B2

the main male servant in a large house who manages other workers and welcomes guests.

For teachers: the chief male servant of a household, typically responsible for supervising other staff, receiving guests, and managing the pantry and wine cellar.

- The butler opened the front door and took the guests' coats.
- The butler maintained the household's strict schedule, ensuring that the footmen were prepared for the arrival of the visiting dignitaries.

Teaching tip: In modern contexts, this often refers to a luxury service in high-end hotels rather than a permanent live-in position.

### 2. to work as a butler

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal

to work or serve as a butler.

For teachers: to perform the duties of a butler; to manage the service of food and drink in a formal capacity.

- He spent twenty years butlering for a wealthy family in London.
- Having butlered for several aristocratic families, he possessed an intimate knowledge of formal dining etiquette and vintage wines.

Usage: The verb form is much less common than the noun and is often replaced by the informal 'buttle'.

Teaching tip: This verb is rare in modern speech; students will mostly encounter the noun form.

## Examples

- The butler served dinner to the guests in the formal dining room.
- After twenty years of service, the butler knew exactly how the family preferred their tea and handled every guest with perfect politeness.
- In historical estates, the butler occupied a unique social position, acting as a trusted confidant to the homeowners while maintaining strict authority over the domestic staff.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.