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noun

butchery

BUUT-shuh-ree

Butchery (noun) means Extremely violent and cruel killing. Example: “The war reports described scenes of appalling butchery.”

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 notes

In 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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The war reports described scenes of appalling _____.

Etymology

From Old French boucherie, related to butcher.

Origin: Old French

Related words

Rhymes for butchery

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Frequently asked questions

What does “butchery” mean?

The word “butchery” means extremely violent and cruel killing. In plain terms, brutal, bloody killing, or (chiefly British) a shop that sells meat.

How do you pronounce “butchery”?

“Butchery” is pronounced BUUT-shuh-ree (/ˈbʊt͡ʃəɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “butchery” in a sentence?

Here is “butchery” used in a sentence: “The war reports described scenes of appalling butchery.”

What part of speech is “butchery”?

“Butchery” is a noun.

Where does the word “butchery” come from?

The word “butchery” comes from Old French. From Old French boucherie, related to butcher.

How many meanings does “butchery” have?

“Butchery” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extremely violent and cruel killing.

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