noun
butterball
Butterball (noun) means a small North American duck (the bufflehead) known for its plump, rounded shape. Example: “A butterball paddled quietly near the reeds.”
noun
1
A small North American duck (the bufflehead) known for its plump, rounded shape.
"The skipper had his eye on a bunch of butterballs feeding not far from the boat. In fact there were ducks all around — though he did not tell me so."
— Hunter-Trader-Trapper (1917)
"A butterball paddled quietly near the reeds."
2
An overweight person, used informally and often unkindly.
"He joked about being a butterball after the holidays."
How to use butterball
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA round, plump duck species, or informally, a chubby person.
When to use it
The "overweight person" sense is informal and can be considered insulting.
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Word forms
- Plural
- butterballs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ paddled quietly near the reeds.
Etymology
From butter plus ball.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “butterball” mean?
The word “butterball” means a small North American duck (the bufflehead) known for its plump, rounded shape. In plain terms, a round, plump duck species, or informally, a chubby person.
How do you use “butterball” in a sentence?
Here is “butterball” used in a sentence: “A butterball paddled quietly near the reeds.”
What part of speech is “butterball”?
“Butterball” is a noun.
How many meanings does “butterball” have?
“Butterball” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small North American duck (the bufflehead) known for its plump, rounded shape.
