shortening

noun

short·​en·​ing ˈshȯrt-niŋ How to pronounce shortening (audio)
ˈshȯr-tᵊn-iŋ
1
: the action or process of making or becoming short
specifically : the dropping of the latter part of a word so as to produce a new and shorter word of the same meaning
2
: an edible fat used to shorten baked goods

Examples of shortening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The performances are all solid, even if Neill is the only one who gets to play even a bit against his most familiar type(*), as a taskmaster who has keeps projecting his resentment at the shortening of his own tennis career onto everyone around him. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024 The natural shortening worked for the third baseman Moustakas, who became a centerpiece of the 2018 and 2019 Brewers after spending most of his career with the Royals. Journal Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2024 For many people muscle shortening is a long process, worsening over months or years of disuse. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2024 Add butter and shortening: Cut the butter and shortening into small pieces, and add to the dry ingredients in the mixer. Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 2 Feb. 2024 Melt enough shortening in a 4-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan on stovetop over medium-high heat or in a deep electric skillet to create 3 inches of oil. Mary G. Pepitone, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024 Work in the butter and shortening with your fingertips until the mixture is crumbly. Sheri Castle, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024 Beat butter, shortening and both sugars together until fluffy. Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 26 Jan. 2024 Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening and butter until pieces are pea-size. Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shortening.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortening was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near shortening

Cite this Entry

“Shortening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortening. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

shortening

noun
short·​en·​ing
ˈshȯrt-niŋ,
-ᵊn-iŋ
1
: a making or becoming short or shorter
2
: a fat (as butter or lard) used in baking especially to make pastry flaky or crumbly
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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