Gingerbread: meaning, definitions and examples

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gingerbread

 

[ ˈdʒɪndʒərˌbrɛd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

food item

Gingerbread is a type of baked good that is typically flavored with ginger, molasses, and other spices. It can come in various forms, such as soft cookies, cakes, or hard candies. Traditionally associated with holiday seasons, gingerbread is often decorated, especially in the form of houses and figures during Christmas. The preparation of gingerbread can vary by culture, with distinct recipes and styles evident around the world.

Synonyms

giant cookie, molasses cookie, spiced cake

Examples of usage

  • She baked a batch of gingerbread cookies for the holiday party.
  • The town is famous for its elaborate gingerbread houses during Christmas.
  • He enjoys making gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting.

Translations

Translations of the word "gingerbread" in other languages:

🇵🇹 biscoito de gengibre

🇮🇳 अदरक का कुकी

🇩🇪 Lebkuchen

🇮🇩 roti jahe

🇺🇦 пряник

🇵🇱 piernik

🇯🇵 ジンジャーブレッド

🇫🇷 pain d'épices

🇪🇸 pan de jengibre

🇹🇷 zencefilli ekmek

🇰🇷 생강빵

🇸🇦 خبز الزنجبيل

🇨🇿 perník

🇸🇰 perník

🇨🇳 姜饼

🇸🇮 medenjaki

🇮🇸 ingiferbrauð

🇰🇿 имбирный печенье

🇬🇪 იმბირის პური

🇦🇿 zəncəfil çörəyi

🇲🇽 pan de jengibre

Etymology

The word 'gingerbread' has its origins in the Old French word 'gingembre,' which means ginger. This, in turn, comes from the Latin 'zingiber,' derived from the Greek 'zingiberis.' The use of ginger as a spice in cooking dates back thousands of years, but the tradition of baking gingerbread began in Europe during the Middle Ages. Initially, it was a preservation of ginger, which was imported through ancient trade routes. Gingerbread was often created by monks and shared during special occasions. Over time, recipes evolved, and by the 16th century, gingerbread became widely popular in Germany, England, and other European countries. The creation of decorative gingerbread houses and figures in Germany set the stage for the modern celebration of gingerbread, especially associated with Christmas festivities.