shortening

1 of 2

noun

short·​en·​ing ˈshȯrt-niŋ How to pronounce shortening (audio)
ˈshȯr-tᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of shorteningnext
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

shortening

2 of 2

present participle of shorten

Examples of shortening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
What’s Happening Home cooks and professional chefs are increasingly reaching for beef tallow in place of butter, vegetable oil and shortening. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026 Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening and butter until pieces are pea size. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Oct. 2026 Beginning in the early 20th century, the chemical process of hydrogenation allowed producers to turn liquid vegetable oils into semisolid fats suitable for shortening and margarine. — Edward D. Melillo, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026 The inaccuracies of the old map include the shortening of Africa, and the relative expansion of North America and Eurasia. — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortening

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortening was in 1538

Rhymes for shortening

See All Rhymes for shortening

Browse Nearby Words

shorten in
shortening
short ess
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Cite this Entry

“Shortening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortening. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on shortening

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shortening

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shortening

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