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

Jones asserted that exigent circumstances warranted the shortening of the 15-day notice window. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025

But slow oxygen chemistry has remained a stubborn bottleneck, wasting energy and shortening battery life. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025

The fit is superb, with just a little more room needed below the knee for my aforementioned calves, a slight shortening of the sleeves, and a reduction of the jacket’s center seam to account for my concave back. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 2025

In contrast, traditional flour tortillas are typically made with white flour, water, a source of fat like vegetable shortening, lard, or oil, salt, and leavening agents like baking powder. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shortening

• foreshortening

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