butter dish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "butter dish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a dish specifically designed for holding butter, often used at the dining table. Example: "Please pass me the butter dish so I can spread some on my bread."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

I bought a butter dish.

The New Yorker

We ain't got enough for a butter dish even.

The New Yorker

They are escorted by a silver-domed butter dish.

The New York Times

However, the scientists who conducted the research have warned against reaching for the butter dish.

Independent

Prices range from $45 for a striped butter dish to $5,425 for a butterfly candelabra.

The New York Times

Otherwise, a colander and a butter dish are the only tools required.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Pour into a hot sauceboat or individual heated butter dishes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He daydreamed of an unfettered life at his kiln, creating Bollywood-inspired teapots and butter dishes.

The New York Times

Everything in the apartment was up for grabs, from butter dishes to foot stools, and the pricing was thrillingly random.

The Guardian - Opinion

Busboys snatch up empty glasses and used plates immediately, refill water glasses often and replace partly empty bread baskets and butter dishes before they need to.

The New York Times

The collection includes everything from porcelain dinner plates and linen dishcloths to butter dishes, egg cups and even charming lunch boxes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a formal table setting, specify the material or style of the "butter dish" (e.g., silver, crystal) to enhance the description and highlight attention to detail.

Common error

Avoid using "butter dish" in very casual or informal writing where simpler terms like "butter container" would be more appropriate. Its formality can sometimes feel out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "butter dish" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a compound noun, that denotes a specific type of dish designed for holding and serving butter. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "butter dish" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a specific dish designed for serving butter. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While generally neutral in register, it can lean towards formal depending on the context. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media sources. For alternative phrasing, consider "butter holder" or "butter serving dish". Remember to specify the style or material of the "butter dish" when describing a formal table setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

table butter dish

Specifies that the butter dish is meant for table use.

butter serving dish

Emphasizes the dish's role in serving butter.

butter serving piece

Replaces dish with piece, still implying a serving utensil.

butter holder

Focuses on the function of holding butter, omitting the 'dish' aspect.

butter keeper

Highlights its preserving qualities.

covered butter container

Highlights the container aspect and the presence of a cover.

butter servingware

Referring to the butter dish as an item of tableware.

dish for butter

A more generic way to describe a dish intended for butter.

butter caddy

Uses a different term, 'caddy', implying a container or holder.

receptacle for butter

A formal way of saying container.

FAQs

How to use "butter dish" in a sentence?

You can use "butter dish" to describe a container used to serve butter, as in "Please pass the butter dish so I can butter my bread".

What can I say instead of "butter dish"?

You can use alternatives like "butter holder" or "covered butter container", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "butter dish" or "butter plate"?

"Butter dish" and "butter plate" are similar, but a "butter dish" typically has a lid to keep the butter fresh, while a "butter plate" may not.

What's the purpose of a "butter dish"?

A "butter dish" is designed to hold and protect butter at the table, keeping it fresh and preventing it from absorbing odors.