# buttercup

/ˈbətɝˌkəp/ (US) · /bˈʌtəkˌʌp/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/buttercup
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

a common yellow flower with a soft, round center that you can pop. It is often found in grassy fields and is popular in children's gardens.

For teachers: a common wildflower of the genus Ranunculus, typically characterized by bright yellow petals and a soft, spongy center. Often used in informal contexts to refer to the plant or its flowers.

## Examples

- The children picked a buttercup from the field.
- We spent the afternoon picking buttercups and daisies to make a bouquet for the kitchen table.
- While the buttercup is often dismissed as a common weed, it serves as a vital nectar source for early-season pollinators in the spring.

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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.