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

For flakiness, there are still those who swear that shortening makes for the flakiest pie crust, which, more widely known by the brand name Crisco, is a solid fat made from primarily soybean and palm oils. —Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025

In 2019, during Trump's first term, China's Ministry of Education warned students about visa issues in the U.S., with rising rejection rates and shortening of visas. —Arkansas Online, 30 May 2025

During President Donald Trump's first term, in 2019, China's Ministry of Education warned students about visa issues in the U.S., with rising rejection rates and shortening of visas. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025

Using a pastry blender, cut in 1/4 cup each shortening and cold butter, cut up, until pieces are pea size. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 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