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Biscuit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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biscuit

[ˈbɪskɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sweet treat

A biscuit is a small, sweet baked good that is typically round in shape. It is often made with flour, sugar, and butter, and may include additional ingredients such as chocolate chips or nuts. Biscuits are commonly enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

Synonyms

cookie, cracker, snack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
biscuit

In American English, 'biscuit' refers to a soft, bread-like baked good that is often eaten with breakfast. They are usually buttery and can be served with gravy, butter, or jam.

  • She served biscuits and gravy for breakfast
  • He couldn't resist a warm biscuit straight from the oven
cookie

In American English, 'cookie' is the term for a sweet, baked treat that can be crispy or chewy. They often contain chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit and are commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

  • She baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies
  • The children enjoyed milk and cookies after school
cracker

A 'cracker' is a thin, crispy baked product, usually savory, and often eaten with cheese or spreads. They can also be eaten on their own as a snack.

  • He had a plate of cheese and crackers as an appetizer
  • The soup was served with a side of crackers
snack

A 'snack' is a small portion of food typically eaten between meals. It can be sweet or savory, healthy or indulgent, and encompasses a wide variety of foods including fruits, nuts, chips, and baked goods.

  • She packed an apple and a yogurt for her afternoon snack
  • He grabbed a handful of nuts as a quick snack

Examples of usage

  • Would you like a biscuit with your tea?
  • She baked a batch of delicious biscuits for the party.
  • The bakery sells a variety of biscuits, including oatmeal and ginger snaps.
Context #2 | Noun

British English

In British English, a biscuit refers to a small, sweet baked good similar to what Americans would call a cookie. Biscuits are often served with tea and may be enjoyed plain or with toppings such as jam or cream.

Synonyms

cookie, cracker, snack.

Examples of usage

  • My favorite British biscuit is the chocolate digestive.
  • She offered me a custard cream biscuit with my afternoon tea.
Context #3 | Noun

Southern United States

In the Southern United States, a biscuit is a type of bread that is typically made with flour, buttermilk, and shortening. Biscuits are often fluffy and light, and are commonly served with gravy or as a side dish with fried chicken.

Synonyms

bread roll, bun, scone.

Examples of usage

  • I love eating biscuits and gravy for breakfast.
  • Would you like a biscuit with your fried chicken?

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Traditions

  • In the United States, biscuits are often flaky and served warm with gravy or butter.
  • In the UK, biscuits are more like cookies and can be enjoyed with tea, often dunked for extra flavor.
  • Different cultures have similar baked goods; for example, Italian 'biscotti' are twice-baked and crunchy.

Pop Culture

  • The famous brand Oreo, a chocolate sandwich biscuit, has its own day celebrated every March 6th.
  • Biscuit commercials often promote sweetness and togetherness, emphasizing the snack's social aspect.
  • Biscuit-loving characters appear in children's stories, illustrating their friendly and charming nature.

Science of Cooking

  • The texture of biscuits is affected by the fat used; butter creates a richer flavor compared to shortening.
  • Baking powder is often used as a leavening agent, helping biscuits rise and become fluffy.
  • Overmixing dough can result in tougher biscuits, highlighting the importance of gentle handling during preparation.

Origin of 'biscuit'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'bis coctus', meaning 'twice baked'.
  • Initially, biscuits were made to last a long time on ships, hence their tough texture.
  • The French version called 'biscuit' refers to a specific type of cookie, emphasizing regional variations.

The word 'biscuit' originated from the Latin word 'bis coctus', which means 'twice baked'. This term was used to describe a type of baked good that was first baked and then baked again to create a dry and hard texture, similar to modern-day biscotti. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a variety of baked goods, including the sweet treats we know today as biscuits.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,976, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.