Buttock

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈbÊŒtÉ™k/
• US IPA: /ˈbÊŒtÉ™k/, ˈbəɾək

Origin

Probably from Old English buttuc ("end, short piece of land"), attested since circa 1300, diminutive form of what is presumedly the Old English precursor of butt.

Full definition of buttock

Noun

1. (usually in the plural) Each of the two large fleshy halves of the posterior part of the body between the base of the back and the top of the legs.
2. The convexity of a ship behind, under the stern.

Usage notes

The plural form is usually used in the singular sense for a single person's posterior, often called butt.

It is rarer to refer to only a single buttock, which is then usually specified as left or right.

Synonyms

• asscheek crude
• butt-cheek
• arsecheek crude
• bum-cheek
• cheek
• ham
• mound
• plurale tantum hurdies pl