noun
butchery
BUUT-shuh-ree
noun
1
Extremely violent and cruel killing.
"The war reports described scenes of appalling butchery."
2
A butcher's shop, especially in British English.
"She bought sausages from the local butchery."
How to Use Butchery
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBrutal, bloody killing, or (chiefly British) a shop that sells meat.
UK vs US
"Butchery" for a meat shop is more common in British and South African English; Americans usually just say "butcher shop."
Word Forms
butcheries plural, butcheries plural
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Etymology
From Old French boucherie, related to butcher.