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

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil and grease foil with either butter or vegetable shortening. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025

Telomere shortening is a natural part of cell biology. —Ethan Freedman, Popular Science, 29 Jan. 2025

Some sports seem intent on consolidating seasons or shortening games while others are adding inventory or fostering spin-off competitions. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 30 Jan. 2025

Using pastry blender, cut in shortening and butter until pieces are pea size. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Jan. 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