shortening

noun

short·​en·​ing ˈshȯrt-niŋ 

ˈshȯr-tᵊn-iŋ

1

: the action or process of making or becoming short

specifically : the dropping of the latter part of a word so as to produce a new and shorter word of the same meaning

2

: an edible fat used to shorten baked goods

Examples of shortening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The therapy also benefited cell health across the board, reducing the rate of telomere shortening – which occurs every time a cell divides – and keeping the powerhouse mitochondria functioning efficiently. —New Atlas, 18 July 2024

This disorder carries no shortening of life expectancy. —Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 4 July 2024

Pour batter into pans: Pour batter into 2 greased (with shortening) and floured 8-inch round cake pans with 2-inch sides. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 24 June 2024

During World War II, the 1942 edition had 14 recipes for wartime cookies, featuring cookie low in shortening and sugar to accommodate for rationing ingredients during the war. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 23 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

shortening

noun

short·​en·​ing

ˈshȯrt-niŋ,

-ᵊn-iŋ

1

: a making or becoming short or shorter

2

: a fat (as butter or lard) used in baking especially to make pastry flaky or crumbly