shortening

noun

short·​en·​ing ˈshȯrt-niŋ How to pronounce shortening (audio)
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 roti are made with wheat flour, sea salt, rice bran oil, and shortening. Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024 Whether to use lard, butter or vegetable shortening for the dough is a divisive debate, with chefs having strong opinions about which fats make for lighter, flakier pastries. Michelle Tchea, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024 Many factors come into play to determine the intensity and timing of peak fall foliage in higher latitudes, including the shortening of days as the Earth turns on its axis and its tilt moves the Northern Hemisphere away from the Sun. Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2024 Worthy of your time: While some of us do thrive in the cooler months, the shortening amount of daylight can affect everyone differently. Zachery Eanes, Axios, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shortening 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shortening.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortening was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near shortening

Cite this Entry

“Shortening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortening. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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