paring

noun

par·​ing ˈper-iŋ 

1

: the act of cutting away an edge or surface

2

: something pared off

apple parings

Examples of paring in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The protests follow similar tensions in Germany and the Netherlands over the paring back of subsidies and the approval of European laws to protect the environment. —William Horobin, Bloomberg.com, 24 Jan. 2024

After using a cookie cutter to slice the shape, employ a sharp paring knife to cut a 1-inch by ¼-inch or so (adjust accordingly based on your mug rim width) from the bottom of the cookie. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Nov. 2023

Use a paring knife: Take a sharp paring knife and either hollow out a whole apple, cut the apple in half or into quarters, and use the knife to scoop out the centers. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2023

My coffee maker for sure, a good paring knife, and my blender—have to have that. —Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2023

Roll out fondant to ⅛ inch thick; using paring knife, cut into palm tree leaf shapes. —Anna Helm Baxter, Woman's Day, 30 Aug. 2023

The set comes with seven different essential knives, including a 7-inch santoku knife and a 3-inch paring knife, a set of six steak knives, a honing steel, and a pair of kitchen shears, along with a wooden block to keep everything organized in one place. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2023

To devein shrimp: Use a sharp paring knife to make an incision beside the vein running along the back of the shrimp. —Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appétit, 19 July 2023

Make a couple of small slits in the top of each with a sharp paring knife, then bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. —Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing paring

• paring knife

Kids Definition

paring

noun

par·​ing

ˈpa(ə)r-iŋ,

ˈpe(ə)r-

1

: the act of cutting away an edge or surface

2

: something pared off