Oats: meaning, definitions and examples

This appears to be a duplication; refer to the first 'oats' entry.

• Repeating examples are not needed; see 'oats' above.

Refers to a dish made from oats, commonly eaten for breakfast. It can be prepared in various ways, such as cooked in water or milk.

• I had a bowl of warm oatmeal for breakfast.
• Oatmeal cookies are my favorite.

Focuses on the individual seeds of the oat plant, often used in discussions about raw ingredients or whole grain products.

• The whole oat grains are very nutritious.
• You can buy oat grains at health food stores.

Refers specifically to oats that have been steamed and rolled into flat flakes. Commonly used in recipes for baked goods or for making quick-cooking oatmeal.

• I use rolled oats to make granola.
• Rolled oats cook faster than steel-cut oats.

General term for the cereal grain used for food or feed. Commonly found in groceries and breakfast meals.

• I had a bowl of oats for breakfast
• Oats are a healthy source of fiber

Usually refers to the plant in its grass-like state, before it has been harvested for grains. Often mentioned in gardening or farming settings.

• The meadow was full of lush oat grass
• Oat grass is an excellent choice for pasture

Refers to oats that grow naturally in the wild; often used metaphorically to describe youthful indiscretions.

• He spent his twenties sowing his wild oats
• The field was overrun with wild oats

Used in agricultural contexts where oats are grown primarily as feed for livestock. It’s often found in discussions about animal husbandry.

• Farmers often grow forage oats to feed their cattle
• Forage oats provide essential nutrients for horses