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

Iron deficiency anemia can intensify symptoms of fatigue and shortening of breath, and can cause cold sensitivity, hair loss, paleness to the skin and nail changes, says Cunningham. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024

Make the dough: Clean your food processor bowl, then add flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, butter and shortening. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024

Crisco shortening and vegetable oil was spun off to J.M. Smucker as Lafley accelerated P&G's exit from food brands. —Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 4 Jan. 2024

Melt 1 1/2 cups shortening and 3/4 cup nut butter and mix with the dry ingredients. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 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