gingerbread

noun

gin·​ger·​bread ˈjin-jər-ˌbred How to pronounce gingerbread (audio)
1
: a cake whose ingredients include molasses and ginger
2
[from the fancy shapes and gilding formerly often applied to gingerbread] : lavish or superfluous ornament especially in architecture
gingerbread adjective
gingerbreaded adjective
gingerbready adjective

Examples of gingerbread in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Better Homes & Gardens Full Size Warmer Gingerbread House This detailed gingerbread house looks great as part of your holiday decor even when it’s not turned on. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2023 The signature Sippin’ Santa, with spicy aged Demerara rum, brings seasonal flavors with gingerbread, lemon and orange. Fritz Hahn, Washington Post, 6 Dec. 2023 Over the years, the designs for the gingerbread White House have gotten more unique and elaborate. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 25 Dec. 2023 Below, sommeliers share a few of their wine and Christmas cookie pairings, including Linzer cookies and rosé, gingerbread and Riesling, and peanut butter blossoms and Moscatel. Jillian Dara, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023 Your Questions, Answered How long do gingerbread houses last? Jessica Booth, Parents, 19 Nov. 2023 The 2010 gingerbread White House featured President Barack Obama's dog Bo standing guard. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 25 Dec. 2023 Keep scrolling for more Lego deals, including sets from Gabby’s Dollhouse, Star Wars, Disney, Marvel, a classic brick box, and a festive Duplo gingerbread house. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 12 Dec. 2023 Find it on Amazon A Gingerbread Teether for Little Munchkins This gingerbread teether is just so adorable. Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gingerbread.' 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

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gingerbread was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near gingerbread

Cite this Entry

“Gingerbread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gingerbread. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gingerbread

noun
gin·​ger·​bread ˈjin-jər-ˌbred How to pronounce gingerbread (audio)
1
: a cake made with molasses and flavored with ginger
2
: showy ornamentation especially in architecture
gingerbread adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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