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Biscuits Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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biscuits

[ˈbɪskɪts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

Biscuits are small, typically round cakes of bread leavened with baking powder or soda, often containing chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.

Synonyms

cookies, crackers, scones.

Examples of usage

  • I love to have biscuits with my tea in the afternoon.
  • She baked a batch of biscuits for the picnic.
Context #2 | Noun

British

In British English, a biscuit refers to a small, sweet baked product that is typically crisp and flat.

Synonyms

biscotti, cookie, shortbread.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
biscuits

In the US, 'biscuits' are soft, flaky bread rolls often served with meals, especially breakfast.

  • She served biscuits and gravy for breakfast.
  • These buttermilk biscuits are so fluffy.
cookie

A sweet baked treat, typically small, flat, and round. Commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

  • I baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies.
  • She gave me a cookie with a glass of milk.
shortbread

A rich, crumbly Scottish biscuit made with a high butter content, often enjoyed with tea or coffee.

  • Shortbread is perfect with a hot cup of tea.
  • His grandmother's shortbread recipe is a family tradition.
biscotti

An Italian twice-baked cookie, usually served with coffee. Crisp and hard, perfect for dipping.

  • I love dipping biscotti in my coffee.
  • These almond biscotti are delicious.

Examples of usage

  • In the UK, they often have biscuits with their afternoon tea.
  • Do you want a biscuit with your coffee?

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • Biscuits can be dunked into tea or coffee, enhancing the experience of the beverage.
  • In the Southern U.S., biscuits are a staple and are often served with meals, especially breakfast.
  • People make sweet versions with chocolate chips or fruit, adding flavors and textures for variety.

Cultural Significance

  • In the UK, biscuits are commonly enjoyed as snacks with tea, often leading to social gatherings.
  • In the U.S., biscuits are popular during holidays and special family meals, commonly served with gravy or buttery spreads.
  • Popularized through literature and media, biscuits have become symbols of comfort food across different cultures.

Nutrition

  • While delicious, biscuits can be high in calories and fats, so moderation is key in a balanced diet.
  • There are variations such as whole-grain biscuits, providing more fiber and nutrients compared to traditional recipes.
  • Homemade biscuits can be customized to be healthier by adding fruits or using alternative flours.

Fun Facts

  • The largest biscuit ever made weighed over 200 kilograms and was created in Italy, showcasing the fun of baking.
  • In 2000, a biscuit was launched into space aboard a shuttle, proving even astronauts can appreciate a good treat.
  • There's an annual event in the U.S. called 'National Biscuit Month' in September, celebrating this beloved baked good.

Origin of 'biscuits'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'bis coctus,' meaning 'twice baked,' a reference to how early versions were cooked.
  • In the 16th century, the term referred to hard baked goods that could be stored for long periods, like ship's biscuits.
  • Different cultures have their own versions, such as the American and British styles, leading to different textures and flavors.

The word 'biscuit' originated from the Latin 'bis coctus', which means 'twice baked'. Biscuits have been enjoyed for centuries, with different variations and ingredients depending on the region. In the UK, biscuits are a staple accompaniment to tea, while in the US, biscuits are more akin to a type of bread roll. The versatility of biscuits has made them a popular snack or dessert worldwide.

See also: bisque.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,170, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.