Crepe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crepe

[kreษชp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

A thin pancake, typically folded or rolled and filled with fruit, cream, syrup, etc.

Synonyms

blini, blintz, pancake.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crepe

Crepe is a repetitive word in the list, and the explanation remains the same as the first entry.

  • She made savory crepes with spinach and feta for dinner.
  • We went to a street vendor to buy some crepes with lemon and sugar.
pancake

Pancake is a flat cake, often thin and round, prepared from a starch-based batter and cooked on a hot surface like a griddle or frying pan. Pancakes are common in various cuisines and are typically eaten for breakfast with butter and syrup, or other toppings.

  • He makes the fluffiest pancakes every Sunday morning.
  • Stacked high and drizzled with maple syrup, the pancakes were irresistible.
blini

Blini are thin pancakes traditionally made from buckwheat flour in Russian cuisine. They are often served with caviar, sour cream, or smoked salmon, making them a staple for festive occasions.

  • We enjoyed caviar on blini at the New Year's Eve party.
  • Russian blini can be a delicious appetizer.
blintz

Blintz refers to a type of rolled pancake filled with cheese or fruit. It is a part of Eastern European and Jewish cuisine. They are usually fried or baked after being filled.

  • I had blueberry blintzes for brunch.
  • Cheese blintzes are a popular dish during Jewish holidays.

Examples of usage

  • Would you like a crepe with strawberries and whipped cream?
  • She ordered a crepe with Nutella and bananas.
  • I prefer savory crepes with cheese and ham.
Context #2 | Noun

clothing

A light, thin fabric with a wrinkled surface.

Synonyms

cloth, fabric, material.

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Word Description / Examples
crepe

Similar to 'crepe' but can also refer to a thin pancake in culinary contexts. The spelling 'crรชpe' is often used to distinguish between the fabric and the food.

  • She made delicious crรชpes for breakfast.
  • Her outfit was made from elegant crรชpe fabric.
fabric

This term generally refers to any textile product and is widely used in discussions about materials for making clothes, upholstery, and other items.

  • We chose a soft fabric for the sofa.
  • The dressmaker selected a luxurious fabric for the wedding gown.
material

Use this word to talk about the substance from which something is made. Itโ€™s more general than 'fabric' and can refer to various textiles, wood, metal, etc.

  • The architect chose sustainable materials for the construction.
  • She bought the material needed to sew a new skirt.
cloth

This word is used to refer to any type of fabric that is woven or knitted. Itโ€™s a general term and can be used in various contexts like clothing, cleaning, or furnishing.

  • He wiped the table with a clean cloth.
  • The tailor cut the cloth to make a new suit.

Examples of usage

  • The dress was made of a delicate crepe material.
  • She wore a crepe scarf to accessorize her outfit.
Context #3 | Verb

cooking

To make crepes by spreading a thin layer of batter on a hot pan.

Synonyms

cook, make, prepare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crepe

Although 'crepe' is repeated and very similar to the first entry, just maintain its importance and flavor.

  • He loves making crepes for Sunday brunch
  • The crepe was filled with Nutella and bananas
cook

Use 'cook' when talking about the process of preparing food by heating it. It is a general term that can apply to any kind of food.

  • I learned how to cook from my grandmother
  • It takes about 20 minutes to cook pasta
prepare

Use 'prepare' when you are describing the overall process of getting food ready to be cooked or served. This can include measuring ingredients, chopping vegetables, and mixing components.

  • Before you cook, you need to prepare all the ingredients
  • They spent an hour preparing the meal before guests arrived
make

Use 'make' when you are talking about the act of creating or assembling food in any way, not necessarily involving cooking. This is a more general term.

  • She wants to make a cake for her birthday
  • I make sandwiches every day for lunch

Examples of usage

  • She creped the batter onto the pan to make pancakes.
  • We will crepe the batter for breakfast.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary History

  • Crepes originate from Brittany, a region in France, where they are traditionally made from buckwheat or wheat flour.
  • The first crepes were savory, known as 'galettes,' filled with ingredients like ham and cheese before sweet versions gained popularity.
  • A famous dessert crepe, the crรชpe Suzette, was created by accident in the 1890s and flambรฉed with orange juice and brandy.

Cultural Significance

  • In France, crepes are often served on Candlemas day (February 2nd), believed to bring prosperity for the year ahead.
  • Street vendors across France serve crepes, making them a popular fast food option among locals and tourists alike.
  • Crepes symbolize craftsmanship; the act of making them requires skill, from getting the batter just right to flipping them perfectly.

Nutritive Value

  • Crepes can be made from various flours like buckwheat or almond, providing unique textures and flavors to suit different diets.
  • When filled with fruits and yogurt, they can become a healthy breakfast option packed with vitamins and protein.
  • Savory crepes can include greens and meats, making them a balanced meal choice that incorporates multiple food groups.

Global Variations

  • In Mexico, similar dishes called 'galletas' are made, often stuffed with cheese or meats, showcasing crepes' global influence.
  • Japanese 'dorayaki' is a sweet version of pancakes, akin to crepes, filled with red bean paste or other delicious treats.
  • The 'viollon' is a crรชpe-like dish in Vietnam, filled with shrimp and bean sprouts, highlighting how different cultures have adapted this beloved food.

Science of Cooking

  • Achieving the perfect crepe requires understanding the Maillard reaction, where the batter caramelizes to create that delicious golden color.
  • The thinness of crepes means they cook quickly; this requires mastery over heat and timing, making them fun yet challenging to prepare.
  • Crepes are a great example of emulsion in cooking, where water and fat combine thanks to ingredients like eggs, showcasing basic cooking chemistry.

Origin of 'crepe'

The word 'crepe' originated from French, where it originally referred to a type of thin pancake. It is believed to have come from the Latin word 'crispa', meaning curled. Crepes have been enjoyed as a popular dish in France for centuries, both in sweet and savory variations. The term 'crepe' later expanded to also describe a type of fabric with a wrinkled texture, known for its lightness and elegance.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,220, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.