Larder Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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larder

[หˆlษ‘หrdษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food storage

A larder is a cool area in a house where food is stored, typically with shelves and cupboards.

Synonyms

pantry, storage room.

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Word Description / Examples
larder

Typically used in British English, referring to a cool area for storing food, especially before refrigerators became common.

  • The chef fetched some ingredients from the larder
  • The family stored cured meats and preserves in the larder during the winter
pantry

Commonly used in both British and American English, indicating a small room or closet where food, dishes, linens, and provisions are kept.

  • She grabbed a can of beans from the pantry
  • The pantry was stocked with all sorts of snacks and treats
storage room

A general term used to describe a room used for storing various items, not limited to food. Can include tools, supplies, and other household items.

  • He put the old furniture in the storage room
  • The school kept extra textbooks in the storage room

Examples of usage

  • She stocked the larder with fresh vegetables and preserves.
  • The larder was filled with jars of pickles and jams.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Uses

  • In medieval castles, a larder was essential for preserving meats and dairy, making it vital for survival during winter.
  • Before refrigeration, larders had techniques like hanging meats in cool, airy places to prevent spoilage.

Culinary Culture

  • In modern kitchens, a larder often includes not just raw ingredients, but also prepared items like jams, pickles, and cereals.
  • The design of a larder today can vary widely, ranging from simple pantries to elaborate walk-in closets filled with a variety of foods.

Literature

  • Larders often appear in literature as symbols of abundance or resourcefulness, representing preparedness for the future.
  • In classic novels, charactersโ€™ relationships with their larders can hint at their social status and lifestyle.

Pop Culture

  • In various cooking shows, larders are highlighted as critical elements of food preparation, showcasing the importance of having the right ingredients on hand.
  • Social media influencers often share tips for organizing larders to inspire others in food storage and meal prepping.

Origin of 'larder'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'larder' comes from the Middle English word 'lardere', which referred to a place for storing lard or fat.
  • Tracing further back, the word has roots in the Latin 'lardum', meaning 'bacon' or 'fat', which were commonly stored in these spaces.

The word 'larder' dates back to the 14th century and comes from the Anglo-French word 'larder', meaning 'a place where bacon is stored'. It was used to refer to a cool storage area for food, especially meat and other provisions. Over time, the term expanded to include any room or area used for storing food.


See also: lard.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,914, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.