butt

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the thicker or blunt end of a tool, handle, or gun.

n. the larger or thicker end of an object, such as the stock of a rifle or the handle of a tool.

“He held the butt of the rifle firmly against his shoulder before firing.”

“The carpenter used the butt of his chisel to tap the wood into place when he couldn't find his mallet.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the small part of a cigarette that is left after it has been smoked.

n. the unconsumed end of a smoked cigarette or cigar.

“The sidewalk was covered in cigarette butts outside the office building.”

“Environmental groups have highlighted that discarded cigarette butts are one of the most common forms of plastic pollution in urban waterways.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person who is the target of a joke or criticism.

n. a person who is the subject of ridicule or the target of a joke, typically in the phrase 'butt of the joke'.

“Poor Sam was always the butt of the joke in his group of friends.”

“Despite being the butt of the comedian's opening monologue, the politician maintained a graceful and smiling exterior throughout the event.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical · Archaic

n. a very large wooden barrel used for holding wine or water.

n. a large cask or barrel for liquids, specifically one with a capacity of 126 gallons.

“The cellar was filled with massive butts of aging sherry.”

“The historical inventory listed several butts of Malmsey wine stored in the lower hold of the merchant vessel.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to hit someone or something hard with your head.

v. to strike or push something bluntly with the head, as seen in certain animals or contact sports.

“The goat tried to butt the gate open to get to the grass.”

“The striker was sent off after he appeared to butt the opposing defender during a heated argument near the goalpost.”

C1 · Advanced Technical

v. to be right next to something or touch it at the edge.

v. to meet or join at an end or boundary; to abut.

“The two pieces of wood should butt together perfectly without a gap.”

“The architect specified that the marble tiles should butt against the hardwood flooring to create a seamless transition between the two rooms.”