noun
butte
BYOOT
Butte (noun) means an isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top, rising abruptly from the surrounding land. Example: “The road wound between towering red buttes in the desert.”
noun
1
An isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top, rising abruptly from the surrounding land.
"The road wound between towering red buttes in the desert."
How to use butte
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA steep, flat-topped hill standing alone, common in the American West.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "butt" — the final "e" changes both the pronunciation (rhymes with "cute") and the meaning entirely.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- buttes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The road wound between towering red _____ in the desert.
Etymology
Borrowed from French butte, meaning "mound" or "knoll."
Frequently asked questions
What does “butte” mean?
The word “butte” means an isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top, rising abruptly from the surrounding land. In plain terms, a steep, flat-topped hill standing alone, common in the American West.
How do you pronounce “butte”?
“Butte” is pronounced BYOOT (/ˈbjuːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “butte” in a sentence?
Here is “butte” used in a sentence: “The road wound between towering red buttes in the desert.”
What part of speech is “butte”?
“Butte” is a noun.
Where does the word “butte” come from?
The word “butte” comes from French. Borrowed from French butte, meaning "mound" or "knoll.".
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