Dipping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dipping

[ˈdɪpɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

food preparation

Dipping is the act of lowering food, typically a piece of bread or a vegetable, into a liquid or sauce, often for the purpose of adding flavor. It is a common cooking technique used in various cuisines around the world.

Synonyms

immersing, soaking, submerging.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dipping

Used similarly to 'dipping', meaning placing something briefly into a liquid.

  • He is dipping his toes into the pool
  • They are dipping vegetables into the sauce
immersing

Used for placing something completely in a liquid or environment, often for a purpose like cleaning or studying.

  • She is immersing her hands in warm water to relax
  • The student is immersing himself in his studies
soaking

Used when something is left in a liquid for a long time to become thoroughly wet or saturated.

  • The shirt is soaking in the soapy water
  • He is soaking the beans overnight before cooking
submerging

Used for placing something fully under the surface of a liquid, often for a practical or dramatic effect.

  • The ship is submerging under the ocean
  • She is submerging the cauliflower in boiling water to cook it

Examples of usage

  • Let's try dipping the bread in the olive oil.
  • She was dipping her carrot sticks in the hummus.
  • The recipe calls for dipping the chicken wings in the spicy sauce.
  • I enjoy dipping my fries in ketchup.
  • We were dipping strawberries in chocolate for dessert.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • Dipping sauces are popular in cuisines worldwide, from guacamole in Mexico to tzatziki in Greece, each adding unique flavors.
  • Fondue, a dish where you dip cheese or chocolate with bread or fruits, originated in Switzerland and has become a loved social activity.
  • In sushi, the practice of dipping pieces into soy sauce enhances flavors and is a traditional part of the dining experience.

Sports

  • In activities like swimming, 'dipping' can refer to when swimmers lower their heads into the water to reduce drag.
  • In basketball, 'dipping' can describe a downward motion while trying to score, indicating quick movements to evade defenders.

Health

  • Using healthier dipping options, like hummus or yogurt, can make snacks more nutritious while still being tasty.
  • Studies show that including dips with vegetables can encourage healthier snacking habits, adding flavor without excess calories.

Language

  • 'Dipping' has evolved in slang to describe quick actions, as in 'dipping out' to mean leaving a place fast.
  • In various cultures, the verb 'to dip' can convey a sense of lowering or submerging, associated with both cooking and movement.

Art and Culture

  • Dipping is sometimes used in painting techniques, notably in creating unique textures or blending colors by submerging brushes.
  • Some traditional art forms involve dipping materials, such as fabric or paper, into dyes, creating intricate patterns.

Origin of 'dipping'

The word 'dipping' originated from the Middle English word 'dyppen', which in turn came from Old English 'dyppan', meaning 'to immerse'. The concept of dipping food in sauces or liquids has been a culinary practice for centuries, with evidence of dipping techniques found in ancient recipes from various cultures.


See also: dip, dipper.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,496, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.