Pantry Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pantry
[หpรฆntri ]
Definitions
in the kitchen
A small room or cupboard in which food, dishes, and utensils are kept.
Synonyms
cupboard, larder, store cupboard.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pantry |
A pantry is a small room or large cupboard where food, dishes, linens, and provisions are stored. It is commonly used in households that have enough space for a dedicated storage area.
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| cupboard |
A cupboard is a piece of furniture with doors and shelves used for storing dishes, cups, food, and other items. It is a more general term and can refer to any storage cabinet in the kitchen or other parts of the house.
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| larder |
A larder is an old-fashioned term for a cool area, often a small room or a large cupboard, used for storing perishable food before refrigerators were common. It's mainly used in historical or traditional contexts.
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| store cupboard |
A store cupboard is very similar to a pantry but often refers specifically to where dry goods and long-lasting food items are kept. It can be a part of the kitchen or a separate space.
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Examples of usage
- I keep all my canned goods in the pantry.
- She organized the pantry to make it easier to find things.
in the house
A room or closet in which food, groceries, or household supplies are stored.
Synonyms
store room, storeroom, supply closet.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pantry |
A pantry is often found in homes and is used for storing food and kitchen supplies. It's typically a small room or a large cupboard near the kitchen.
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| store room |
This term is more general and can be used in both residential and commercial settings. It refers to any room where items are stored, not limited to food or kitchen supplies.
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| storeroom |
Similar to 'store room', 'storeroom' is also a general term used for a space designated to store items. It is one word and often refers to larger storage areas in commercial or industrial contexts.
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| supply closet |
This is commonly used in office or institutional settings for storing office supplies, cleaning products, and other non-food items. It's usually a smaller space like a closet or a small room.
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Examples of usage
- She stocked the pantry with essentials like flour and sugar.
- The new house has a walk-in pantry for extra storage space.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- Historically, pantries were essential in homes before the invention of refrigerators, as they helped keep food fresh.
- Upper-class households in the past often had elaborate pantries with items displayed for guests, reflecting wealth and hospitality.
- In many cultures, the pantry was a sign of abundance, often filled with preserved goods during harvest seasons.
Culinary Practices
- A well-stocked pantry is a chef's secret to creating delicious meals easily, providing essential ingredients at hand.
- Common items in a modern pantry include canned goods, pasta, spices, and snacks, serving quick meal solutions.
- Many cooking traditions emphasize the importance of maintaining a seasonal pantry to enjoy fresh ingredients year-round.
Cultural Significance
- In various cultures, the concept of a pantry symbolizes family, sharing, and nurturing by keeping food readily available for loved ones.
- In traditional ceremonies, the contents of a pantry can represent hospitality and abundance during feasts and gatherings.
- Pantry organization and decoration have become popular trends, showcasing personal style while reflecting cultural culinary heritage.
Pop Culture
- In many movies and TV shows, the pantry often serves as a setting for secret snacks or hidden treasures that characters discover.
- Popular cooking shows frequently highlight pantry challenges where chefs must prepare meals only with items from a pantry.
- Books and websites on home organization often feature pantries as a focus area, emphasizing decluttering and efficiency in kitchen spaces.
Origin of 'pantry'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French word 'pantrie', which referred to a place for bread.
- In medieval times, a pantry was specifically a storage area for bread and later expanded to include other foods.
- The prefix 'pan-' is related to the Latin 'panis', meaning 'bread', highlighting the importance of this staple food.
The word 'pantry' originated from the Old French word 'paneterie', which referred to a place where bread was kept. Over time, the meaning expanded to include a room or cupboard for storing food and household supplies. Pantries have been a common feature in homes for centuries, serving as a storage space for provisions. The concept of a pantry has evolved with changes in kitchen design and storage solutions, but its essential function remains the same.