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

Sometime early in the 21st century, Mom switched from vegetable shortening to butter. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025

In the fight against invasive species, this productivity boost is transformative, saving scientific teams critical time in the lab and shortening the time required to successfully implement solutions. —Pam Marrone, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025

Using 2 forks or a pastry blender, cut in shortening until mixture is crumbly. —Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025

Furtenbach argues that his critics overlook the benefits of climb-shortening technologies. —Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 20 Sep. 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