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

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, whip the lard or shortening on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, about 20 minutes. —Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 31 Dec. 2024

Other reviewers swapped in butter for the shortening and reduced the brown sugar in the filling. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2024

Internet Test Faking Numerous methods of fake passing a drug or alcohol test online are available from hair bleaching to hair shortening to fake a hair follicle test. —Patricia Fersch, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Iron deficiency anemia can intensify symptoms of fatigue and shortening of breath, and can cause cold sensitivity, hair loss, paleness to the skin and nail changes, says Cunningham. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 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