Donut Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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donut
[ˈdoʊnət ]
Definition
food item
A donut is a type of fried dough confection or dessert food. It is typically sweet, deep fried from a flour dough, and usually either ring-shaped or without a hole and filled. Donuts are often glazed and can be topped with sprinkles or powdered sugars. They are commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert and can be filled with various ingredients, like cream, custard, or jam.
Synonyms
confection, doughnut, pastry, treat.
Examples of usage
- I bought a dozen donuts for the office.
- She enjoys a warm donut with coffee in the morning.
- They have a wide variety of donuts at the bakery.
- The children were thrilled by the colorful sprinkles on their donuts.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Donuts are a staple in American culture, often associated with coffee breaks and morning treats.
- Homer Simpson, a character from the TV show 'The Simpsons,' is famously known for his love of donuts, making them a pop culture icon.
- National Donut Day is celebrated on the first Friday of June, honoring donut shop owners and the donut lassies who served donuts to soldiers during World War I.
Science
- The deep-frying process makes donuts light and airy by creating steam inside, causing them to rise.
- Fried donuts absorb some oil, which is why they're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- The Maillard reaction occurs when donuts are fried, giving them their delicious brown color and unique flavor.
Nutrition
- Donuts are often high in sugar and fat, making them a tasty but indulgent treat that should be enjoyed in moderation.
- There are variations of donuts, some filled with nutritious ingredients like fruits or nut butters, making them slightly healthier.
- Whole grain or baked donut recipes can be healthier alternatives, reducing sugar and using healthier fats.
Global Variations
- In Poland, paczki are similar to donuts, often filled with fruit preserves and enjoyed during Fat Thursday before Lent.
- In the Netherlands, a popular dough treat called 'oliebol' is served during New Year's celebrations, similar in texture to donuts.
- Japanese cuisine features 'mochi donuts,' combining traditional rice-based mochi with the donut shape.
Origin of 'donut'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'donut' is a simplified spelling of 'doughnut,' which originated in the early 19th century.
- The name 'doughnut' may have come from the nuts of the dough, or the little nut-shaped pieces fried in the middle.
- In America, 'donut' became popularized in the 20th century, especially with the rise of chain bakeries.
The word 'donut' is a variant of 'doughnut', which has its origins in the early 19th century, where it was first recorded in American English. The term is believed to derive from the Dutch settlers who brought their influence on food to America. The word 'doughnut' itself is thought to be a blend of 'dough' and 'nut', referring to the nut-like shape of the early versions of this pastry and possibly alluding to the 'nut' in the sense of a small cake. The modern shape, with a hole in the middle, appeared in the 19th century, and the donut's popularity soared in America, particularly during the wars, as it became a symbol of comfort food for soldiers. Today, donuts come in various shapes, flavors, and forms, making them a widely loved treat across many cultures.