Baking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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baking

[ˈbeɪ.kɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in the kitchen

The process of cooking food by dry heat in an oven.

Synonyms

cooking, heating, roasting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
baking

Used when preparing food by cooking it in an oven. Typically refers to making bread, cakes, or pastries.

  • She enjoys baking cakes on weekends
  • Try baking fresh bread at home
cooking

A general term for preparing food by various methods such as boiling, frying, baking, etc. It is a broad term used for any kind of food preparation.

  • She loves cooking for her family
  • Cooking dinner takes about an hour
roasting

Used when cooking food, particularly meat or vegetables, in an oven or over an open flame, where the food is exposed to dry heat.

  • They are roasting a chicken for dinner
  • Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness
heating

Refers to making something warm or hot, usually pre-prepared food. Often involves reheating leftovers or ready-to-eat meals.

  • She is heating up some soup for lunch
  • The microwave is great for heating leftovers

Examples of usage

  • She enjoys baking cookies on the weekends.
  • Baking a cake requires precise measurements and timing.
Context #2 | Verb

in the kitchen

The action of preparing food by dry heat in an oven.

Synonyms

cooking, heating, roasting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
baking

Used when preparing food in an oven, particularly bread, cakes, and pastries.

  • She loves baking cookies on the weekends
  • The baking of bread fills the kitchen with a wonderful smell
cooking

A general term for preparing food using heat. Can involve boiling, frying, grilling, or any method of making food ready to eat.

  • He's very passionate about cooking healthy meals
  • Cooking dinner every night can be a lot of work
roasting

Used for cooking food in an oven or over an open fire, typically meat or vegetables, often at higher temperatures.

  • They spent the evening roasting a chicken and vegetables
  • Roasting marshmallows around the campfire is a fun activity
heating

Refers to making something warm or hot, usually food, but not necessarily cooking it completely from scratch.

  • She is heating the leftovers from last night's dinner
  • The water is heating up on the stove

Examples of usage

  • She is baking a pie for the family dinner.
  • Baking bread is a time-consuming but rewarding process.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Ancient Egyptians were some of the first to bake bread around 3000 BCE, using clay ovens.
  • The word 'bake' comes from the Old English term 'bacan,' which means to cook by dry heat.

Culinary Practices

  • Different cultures have unique baking traditions, such as French pastries, Italian breads, and Middle Eastern flatbreads.
  • Baking has evolved with technology; for instance, automatic mixers and convection ovens have made it easier and faster.

Science

  • Baking is a chemical process. When ingredients like flour and water combine and heat up, they create gluten that gives bread its structure.
  • Yeast, a tiny living organism, is often used in baking to help dough rise by producing carbon dioxide during fermentation.

Pop Culture

  • Bake-offs and cooking shows have surged in popularity, pushing baking into the limelight, with competitions showcasing impressive skills.
  • Many famous food bloggers and chefs have built careers around baking, creating viral recipes and tutorials online.

Psychology

  • Baking can be therapeutic; it allows people to express creativity and provides a sense of accomplishment.
  • Sharing baked goods often fosters community and social connections, as food brings people together.

Origin of 'baking'

The word 'baking' originated from the Middle English word 'baken', which is derived from the Old English word 'bacan'. Baking has been a fundamental method of food preparation for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations. The use of ovens for baking became more widespread during the Industrial Revolution, leading to the development of various baking techniques and recipes.


See also: bake, baked.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,578 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.