butler
UK: ˈbʌtlə | US: ˈbʌtlər
n. A chief male servant of a household, typically responsible for managing the wine cellar, serving meals, and overseeing other domestic staff.
The word butler traces back to the Anglo-Norman buteler, meaning "bottle bearer." It originally described a servant in charge of the wine cellar (from butte, a wine cask). Over time, the role expanded to encompass broader household management, but the term retained its aristocratic connotations. The morpheme but preserves the historical link to wine stewardship, while -ler marks the occupational suffix.
The butler announced dinner with impeccable formality.
In Victorian estates, the butler often held the highest rank among servants.
She hired a butler to manage the household’s daily operations.
The butler polished the silverware before the guests arrived.
Modern butlers may also handle security and technology in affluent homes.