baste

1 of 3

verb (1)

basted; basting

transitive verb

: to sew with long loose stitches in order to hold something in place temporarily

baste

2 of 3

verb (2)

basted; basting

transitive verb

: to moisten (foods, especially meat) at intervals with a liquid (such as melted butter, fat, or pan drippings) especially during the cooking process to prevent drying and add flavor
baste a roast every half hour

baste

3 of 3

verb (3)

basted; basting

transitive verb

1
: to beat severely or soundly : thrash
2
: to scold vigorously : berate

Examples of baste in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Tip: Some cast-iron skillets come with a matching lid, which is useful for making the skillet operate a bit like a mini stovetop oven, cooking evenly and basting the food with flavor and steam. Emily Weinstein, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 Bake for 50-55 minutes, basting periodically with pan juices, until the largest chicken pieces register 165 degrees on a meat thermometer. Andrea Weigl, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 At Harvard and similar schools, some 98 percent of undergraduates live on campus, basting in a progressive hothouse where there’s a patina of intense busyness but not much actual work. Frederick M. Hess, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023 Anyone who doesn't feel like basting and brining their own bird can pay $99, to make things a little easier this holiday season. Lizzy Rosenberg, Peoplemag, 1 Nov. 2023 Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue roasting, basting every 30 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh reaches 165 degrees, 1 to 1½ hours. Sean Sherman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Nov. 2023 And who really has time to worry with brining and basting during the week? Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2023 The set comes with a spatula, fork, tongs, basting brush, and a stainless steel storage case. Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2023 This bargain will feed a family of four and includes a Good & Gather basted frozen turkey at the low price of 99 cents a pound. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2023

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

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English basten, borrowed from Middle French bastir, going back to Old Low Franconian *bastjan, going back to Germanic, "to bind or weave with bast strips" (whence Middle Dutch besten "to tie up, fasten with loose stitches," Old High German, "to bind with bast, mend"), verbal derivative of *basta- bast

Verb (2)

Middle English baisten, of obscure origin

Verb (3)

probably from Old Norse beysta; akin to Old English bēatan to beat

First Known Use

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (3)

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near baste

Cite this Entry

“Baste.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baste. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

baste

1 of 2 verb
basted; basting
: to sew with long loose stitches so as to hold the work temporarily in place
baster noun

baste

2 of 2 verb
basted; basting
: to moisten with liquid (as melted fat or juices) while roasting
baster noun

More from Merriam-Webster on baste

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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