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

Compared to the placebo group, those taking vitamin D3 had significantly less telomere shortening, the researchers found. —Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2025

With both streaming-only titles gaining popularity and the window between theatrical and home release shortening, theater chains have had to find creative ways to attract audiences. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Here's how: Apply a little bit of shortening to a paper towel or piece of waxed paper. —Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2024

The study, published this month in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, reveals that taking vitamin D supplements may protect against biological aging by slowing the shortening of telomeres, the tiny caps on DNA that naturally erode as people grow older. —Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 26 May 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