Collins English-English Dictionary

but [b^t]

1. 1. conj [coordinating] contrary to expectation

   he cut his knee but didn't cry

2. 2. conj in contrast; on the contrary

   I like opera but my husband doesn't

3. 3. conj [usually used after a negative] other than

   we can't do anything but wait

4. 4. conj [subordinating] [usually used after a negative] without it happening or being the case that

   we never go out but it rains

5. 5. conj [foll by that] except that

   nothing is impossible but that we live forever

6. 6. conj [archaic] if not; unless

7. 7. sentence connector [informal] used to introduce an exclamation

   my, but you're nice

8. 8. prep except; save

   they saved all but one of the pigs

9. 9. adv just; merely; only

   he was but a child

   I can but try

10. 10. adv [Scot, Austral and NZ] [informal] though; however

    it's a rainy day: warm, but

11. 11. n an objection (esp in the phrase ifs and buts)

12. 12. n [Etymology] Old English butan without, outside, except, from be by + utan out; related to Old Saxon biutan, Old High German biuzan

but [b^t]

1. 1. n [Scot] the outer room of a two-roomed cottage: usually the kitchen

2. 2. adv in or into the outer part (of a house) - Compare ben

3. 3. adv [Etymology] C18: from but (adv) outside, hence, outer room; see but¹