shortcake

noun

short·​cake ˈshȯrt-ˌkāk 

1

: a crisp and often unsweetened biscuit or cookie

2

a

: a dessert made typically of very short baking-powder-biscuit dough spread with sweetened fruit

b

: a dish consisting of a rich biscuit split and covered with a meat mixture

Examples of shortcake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Inspired by the classic seasonal treat strawberry shortcake, Trader Joe’s Strawberries & Cream Cloud Cake takes the nostalgic dessert to the next level. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 14 July 2026

And buttery desserts feature shortcake, pound cake and even Biscoff cookie butter cheesecake funnel cake from McGrath’s Funnel Cakes for $15. — Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 9 July 2026

This recipe may just be the easiest way to make strawberry shortcake. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 5 July 2026

The first goal scored grants a free strawberry shortcake with purchase, the third goal grants a free cup of soup and the fifth goal has a free club sandwich with any purchase. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shortcake

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• forsake
• gouache
• handshake
• headache

Kids Definition

shortcake

noun

short·​cake -ˌkāk 

: a dessert made of rich biscuit dough baked and served with sweetened fruit

strawberry shortcake