Fry: meaning, definitions and examples

🍳
Add to dictionary

fry

 

[ fraɪ ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

cooking

Fry refers to the cooking method of food by submerging it in hot oil or fat. It is a popular method for preparing foods such as French fries, fried chicken, and fried fish.

Synonyms

cook, deep-fry, saute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fry

Used when cooking food in a small amount of hot oil or fat, typically in a pan. This can apply to meats, vegetables, or eggs.

  • She decided to fry some eggs for breakfast
  • He fried the chicken until it was golden brown
cook

A general term that applies to preparing food by heating it in various ways such as boiling, baking, frying, or grilling.

  • He loves to cook Italian dishes
  • She cooked a delicious meal for her family
saute

Means cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium-high heat. This is often used for vegetables, meats, or seafood that need a quick cooking method while preserving their texture and flavor.

  • She sautéed the onions and garlic until they were fragrant
  • The recipe called for sautéing the mushrooms in olive oil
deep-fry

Refers to cooking food by immersing it completely in hot oil, resulting in a crispy outer layer. This method is often used for items like french fries, doughnuts, and fried chicken. It is typically considered unhealthy if consumed frequently.

  • They deep-fried the potatoes to make crispy fries
  • The fish was deep-fried to perfection

Examples of usage

  • The chef will fry the potatoes until they are golden brown.
  • My mom likes to fry the chicken in a cast iron skillet.
  • You can fry the fish in vegetable oil for a healthier option.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

To fry can also mean to cook something quickly at high heat, often in a pan with oil or butter. It is commonly used in the context of cooking eggs or bacon.

Synonyms

grill, sear, sizzle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fry

Used when cooking food in hot oil or fat, often in a pan. This method is common for preparing foods quickly and achieving a crisp texture.

  • He decided to fry some eggs for breakfast.
  • They fried the chicken until it was golden brown.
sizzle

Describes the sound that food makes when it is being cooked at a high temperature, usually in a pan. Often used to evoke the sensory experience of cooking.

  • The bacon started to sizzle in the pan.
  • You can hear the vegetables sizzle as soon as they hit the hot oil.
grill

Applies to cooking food on a grill or barbecue, typically over direct heat or an open flame. It's ideal for imparting a smoky flavor and creating grill marks.

  • We grilled some steaks for dinner.
  • She enjoys grilling vegetables during the summer.
sear

Related to quickly cooking the surface of food at a high temperature in a small amount of fat, often used to create a flavorful crust. This method is common for meats.

  • The chef seared the tuna to lock in the juices.
  • Sear the steak for two minutes on each side.

Examples of usage

  • I like to fry my eggs sunny-side up.
  • She fries bacon for breakfast every morning.
  • He fried the vegetables in a wok for dinner.

Translations

Translations of the word "fry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fritar

🇮🇳 तलना (talna)

🇩🇪 braten

🇮🇩 menggoreng

🇺🇦 смажити

🇵🇱 smażyć

🇯🇵 揚げる (ageru)

🇫🇷 frire

🇪🇸 freír

🇹🇷 kızartmak

🇰🇷 튀기다 (twigida)

🇸🇦 يقلي (yaqli)

🇨🇿 smažit

🇸🇰 pražiť

🇨🇳 油炸 (yóu zhá)

🇸🇮 cvreti

🇮🇸 steikja

🇰🇿 қуыру

🇬🇪 შეწვა (shetshva)

🇦🇿 qızartmaq

🇲🇽 freír

Etymology

The word 'fry' originated from the Old English word 'frēosan', meaning 'to fry' or 'to roast'. The cooking method of frying has been used for centuries as a way to cook food quickly and add a crispy texture. Over time, frying has become a popular cooking technique around the world, with various cultures incorporating it into their cuisines.

See also: frying.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,507, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.