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

Using the all-together method allows for safer substitution of oil for shortening, but both methods are fairly reliable when baking. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2026

March is likely the final month a deal could be reached without shortening or significantly pushing back that year’s competition schedule. —Evan Drellich, New York Times, 12 May 2026

To make the pie crust, sift together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, and salt into a food processor, then add the sugar, butter, and shortening. —Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026

Always dry thoroughly, heat on the stovetop until completely dry, and apply a thin layer of oil or shortening. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shortening

• foreshortening

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