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

Always dry thoroughly, heat on the stovetop until completely dry, and apply a thin layer of oil or shortening. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024

Scatter the shortening over the top and process until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal, about 10 seconds. —Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 31 Oct. 2024

Besides the pitching edge, the Dodgers’ hitters are raking, with two home runs from Andy Pages and another long ball from Mookie Betts, nine hits and a brief shortening of a 10-2 deficit. —Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2024

The roti are made with wheat flour, sea salt, rice bran oil, and shortening. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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