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

Recipe Tips for Up-and-Down Biscuits This recipe uses both shortening and butter for key reasons. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

Wait, should that be a mix of butter and shortening, actually? — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026

Shilpa's incredible pie crust has cream cheese in it or there are many pie makers that like to use lard or shortenings. — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 July 2026

Add shortening and continue cutting in until flour is pale yellow and resembles coarse cornmeal with butter bits no larger than small peas. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 7 July 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