Homemade Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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homemade

[ˌhoʊmˈmeɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

food

Made at home, rather than in a store or factory.

Synonyms

handmade, home-cooked, home-grown.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
homemade	Used to describe items made at home, often with a sense of craftsmanship or personal touch. Commonly applied to food and crafts. She brought a homemade cake to the party The decoration on the table was homemade
home-cooked	Specifically used for meals prepared at home. It conveys a sense of comfort, freshness, and personal effort in cooking. I miss having a home-cooked meal Nothing beats a home-cooked dinner after a long day
handmade	Refers to objects made by hand, often emphasizing quality, artisanal skills, or uniqueness. It usually applies to items like jewelry, clothing, furniture, and other crafts. He bought a pair of handmade leather shoes The shop sells beautiful handmade pottery
home-grown	Typically used for plants or produce that are grown in one's own garden. It suggests freshness and personal cultivation. She only uses home-grown vegetables in her salads The home-grown tomatoes taste much better

Examples of usage

Her homemade cookies are always a hit at the office.
I prefer homemade meals over fast food.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

product

Something made at home, rather than bought from a store.

Synonyms

artisanal, handcrafted, homebrew.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
homemade	Primarily used to describe food or items made at home rather than bought from a store. Denotes a sense of comfort and family tradition. She brought a homemade pie to the party The cookies are homemade and taste amazing
handcrafted	Describes items made by hand, typically emphasizing the skill and effort involved. Often associated with higher quality and uniqueness. She loves using handcrafted jewelry The shop features handcrafted wooden furniture
artisanal	Refers to items made in a traditional or non-mechanized way, often implying a high level of craftsmanship. Commonly used for food, beverages, and goods. They sell artisanal cheeses at the farmer's market The artisanal bread from that bakery is delicious
homebrew	Usually refers to alcoholic beverages, especially beer, that are made at home. Can also be used metaphorically for homemade software or gadgets. He tried his first batch of homebrew beer last weekend The homebrew software worked surprisingly well

Examples of usage

I love to give homemade gifts for birthdays.
She sells homemade soaps and candles at the farmer's market.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Traditions

Homemade dishes often retain recipes passed down through generations, creating a personal connection to one’s heritage.
Cooking homemade meals can encourage healthier eating habits, as you control ingredients and portion sizes.
Many cultures celebrate festivals with homemade foods, making them central to traditions and community gatherings.

DIY Culture

The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) movement has surged in popularity, where people share homemade projects online, fostering creativity.
Homemade crafts like soap, candles, and furniture are often seen as unique gifts that showcase personal effort and thoughtfulness.
The movement emphasizes sustainability, encouraging people to reuse materials and reduce waste in their creations.

Economic Impact

The rise of homemade businesses has led to the growth of local economies, as people sell their handcrafted items at markets.
Homemade goods often attract consumers looking for quality and authenticity over mass-produced alternatives.
Many small companies started as homemade ventures, reinforcing the notion that passion projects can evolve into successful businesses.

Psychology

Making things at home can foster a sense of accomplishment and boost mental well-being through creative expression.
Homemade activities often strengthen family bonds as they involve collaboration in cooking or crafting together.
Engaging in homemade projects can reduce stress by creating a calming and productive environment.

Cultural References

In literature and film, homemade items often symbolize love and care, as seen in stories centered around family recipes.
Homemade meals are frequently featured in movies to denote comfort, nostalgia, or a return to one’s roots.
Cultural festivals often highlight homemade goods, emphasizing community spirit and the sharing of personal stories.

Origin of 'homemade'

The term 'homemade' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'home' and 'made' to describe something created or produced in one's own home rather than in a professional or commercial setting. It emphasizes the personal touch and care put into making something from scratch.