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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
And the bullpen, with Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe, and the versatile Aaron Ashby shortening games. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2026 And without that increase in spin, there is no shortening of periods between episodes, meaning less and less material being stripped would result in dimming. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The Times’ cooking editor, Cody Reiss, says the success of this recipe depends on access to fantastic, burrito-sized (12- to 14-inch) flour tortillas, which should ideally be made with lard rather than vegetable shortening or margarine. — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The days start shortening, which means Northern Lights viewing is in the picture. — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 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 7 Sep. 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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