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

After covering the pans with shortening and preheating the oven, Manganello began mixing up his cake using the small, colorful utensils that came with the Easy-Bake. —Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024

But to love a movie and then demand its shortening is to miss the point. —Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

It’s expected that an increase in revenue sharing — an increase of at least 50 percent — and a second bye week, as well as additional shortening of the offseason program, would rank among player requests. —Mike Jones, The Athletic, 30 Apr. 2024

Always dry thoroughly, heat on the stovetop until completely dry, and apply a thin layer of oil or shortening. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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