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

Pinch shortening into flour mixture until fully incorporated. —Carla Hall, Southern Living, 19 Nov. 2025

Food writers suggested using pecans as shortening because they are composed mostly of fat. —Shelley Mitchell, The Conversation, 18 Nov. 2025

Add diced very cold unsalted butter and very cold vegetable shortening, then pulse about 8 to 12 times more. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Nov. 2025

Dissolve soda in milk; stir into shortening mixture. —Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025

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