undercook

verb

un·​der·​cook ˌən-dər-ˈku̇k How to pronounce undercook (audio)
undercooked; undercooking; undercooks

transitive verb

: to cook insufficiently or less than thoroughly
The kitchen badly undercooked a nicely conceived plate of grilled petrale sole fillets surrounded by potatoes and zucchini.Harvey Steiman
undercooked adjective
a serving of undercooked chicken

Examples of undercook in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There’s nothing worse than shelling out big bucks for a fat rib eye or a bunch of lamb chops only to accidentally overcook or undercook them. Amiel Stanek, Bon Appétit, 16 July 2024 Price at time of publish: $16 Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart For such a simple ingredient, rice is all too easy to overcook or undercook. Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 17 Nov. 2023 Tips for the Best Coconut-Pecan Frosting For the best frosting, keep these tips in mind: Toast the nuts: Toast to bring out the best flavor and texture of the nuts, and even the coconut if desired. Cook until thickened: Don't undercook the filling. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2023 Never undercook dinner again. Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2023 When in doubt, undercook them a tiny bit.) Remove the ramekins with tongs or a spatula, transfer to a plate, sprinkle with chives, and serve with the croutons on the side. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 28 Mar. 2023 The secret is to undercook the onions. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, 25 Feb. 2022 Don’t undercook it. Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, 6 Jan. 2022 When in doubt, undercook them. Rick Nelson, Star Tribune, 11 June 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'undercook.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of undercook was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near undercook

Cite this Entry

“Undercook.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercook. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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