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
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So did an assortment of frame houses bearing front porches with fancy gingerbread trim and plenty of brownstones and brick homes. Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025 Crisp, fine and fresh bubbles and balanced flavors include light red and orange fruit, cherry juice and gingerbread. Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 Here are the top ten gingerbread displays hosted by some of America’s beloved hotels. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Christmas-y gingerbread sticks to the countertop, and the rugelach — a sweet Jewish holiday treat — accidentally goes into the oven without the cinnamon sugar topping. Chloe Veltman, NPR, 23 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for gingerbread

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

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Cite this Entry

“Gingerbread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gingerbread. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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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