English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word butcher in English

What does butcher mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

butcher

US /ˈbʊtʃ.ɚ/
UK /ˈbʊtʃ.ɚ/
"butcher" picture

Noun

1.

a person whose trade is cutting up and selling meat

Example:
•
I bought fresh sausages from the local butcher.
•
The butcher recommended a good cut of beef for roasting.
Synonym:
meat cutterslaughterer

Verb

1.

to slaughter or cut up (an animal) for meat

Example:
•
The farmer decided to butcher the old cow.
•
They will butcher the pigs next week.
Synonym:
slaughtercarvedress
2.

to kill (people) indiscriminately or brutally

Example:
•
The invading army began to butcher the villagers.
•
The dictator was accused of trying to butcher his own people.
Synonym:
massacreslaughterannihilateexterminate
3.

to ruin or spoil (something) through clumsiness or incompetence

Example:
•
He completely butchered the song during his performance.
•
The inexperienced surgeon butchered the operation.
Synonym:
botchmess upruinspoil
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Related Word:
butcher's