Pie: meaning, definitions and examples

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pie

[paɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

baking

A baked dish of fruit, or meat and vegetables, typically with a top and base of pastry.

Synonyms

flan, pastry, tart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pie	A pie is typically a baked dish made with a crust and a filling, which can be sweet or savory. It is often round and can be served as a main dish or dessert. Apple pie is a classic American dessert / Chicken pot pie makes a comforting dinner
pastry	Pastry generally refers to various baked goods made from dough, including items like croissants, eclairs, and puff pastries. It is a broad term used for sweet and savory baked items. She enjoys a pastry with her coffee every morning / We bought an assortment of pastries for the office meeting
tart	A tart is a type of pastry with a thick crust and an open top, filled with sweet or savory ingredients. It is often smaller in size than a pie and can be served as an appetizer or dessert. The lemon tart had a perfect balance of sweet and sour / They served a spinach and cheese tart as a starter
flan	A flan is a delicate dessert with a creamy, custard base usually topped with caramel. It is more common in Latin American and Spanish cuisine and is usually served chilled. The restaurant's dessert menu features a delicious coconut flan / Flan is a popular treat during holidays in many cultures

Examples of usage

She baked a delicious apple pie for dessert.
The bakery sells a variety of pies, including cherry, blueberry, and pecan.
Would you like a slice of pumpkin pie with your coffee?

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A share of a sum of money that is divided among a number of people, for example from a lottery or gambling win.

Synonyms

cut, portion, share.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pie	Use when referring to the entire dessert or metaphorically to describe a whole entity. She baked a delicious apple pie for dessert. He wanted a larger piece of the pie in the company profits.
share	This term can be used both as a noun and a verb, typically to describe the act of dividing and distributing something among multiple people or the portion one receives. He gave her an extra share of the pie. They decided to share the pie equally among their friends.
portion	Best used when describing a part of something that has been divided, focusing on the amount or size of the divided parts. She made sure everyone got a fair portion of the pie. The portion size at this restaurant is quite generous.
cut	Appropriate for describing the action of dividing something into pieces, particularly with the use of a sharp tool. She used a knife to cut the pie into equal slices. The barber cut his hair very short.

Examples of usage

She won a big prize in the lottery and gave each of her friends a piece of the pie.
The team split the profits evenly, ensuring that everyone got their fair share of the pie.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

informal

To share something, especially money, in a fair or equitable way.

Synonyms

allocate, distribute, share.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pie	The word 'pie' refers to a savory or sweet baked dish commonly made with a crust and a filling of various ingredients. It is often used in culinary contexts. I made an apple pie for dessert. They enjoyed a slice of pumpkin pie during Thanksgiving.
distribute	Choose 'distribute' when referring to the act of giving out or spreading items or services among a number of recipients. This term is common in logistics, supply chain, and general contexts. The organization distributed food to the homeless. The teacher distributed the papers to the students.
allocate	Use 'allocate' when referring to the distribution or assignment of resources or tasks, usually in a formal or official manner. This term is often used in business, finance, or project management contexts. The manager allocated tasks to each team member. Funds were allocated for the new project.
share	Use 'share' when referring to the act of giving a portion of something to others or using something jointly with others. It can be used in both formal and informal settings. She shared her lunch with her friend. They share an apartment.

Examples of usage

It's important to pie up the profits so that everyone benefits from the success of the project.
We need to pie out the resources evenly among all the departments.

Interesting Facts

Culinary History

The oldest pie recipe dates back to ancient Egypt, where they filled wheat flour crusts with honey and nuts.
Medieval pies were often raised, enclosing meats and spices, and sometimes served as a centerpiece at banquets.
In the 16th century, sweet fruit pies became popular in England, leading to modern varieties enjoyed today.

Cultural Significance

In America, pie is often linked with Thanksgiving, where pumpkin or apple pies are traditional desserts.
Celebrating Pi Day on March 14th (3.14) embraces both math and love for pie, showcasing its fun cultural role.
Pies are featured in many cultures, from French tarts to Indian samosas, showing their universal appeal.

Literature and Arts

Pies have appeared in classic literature, often symbolizing comfort and home, like in 'American Pie' by Don McLean.
The term 'piece of pie' is used in literature and everyday language to signify something easy to obtain.
In art, pies are often depicted in still-life paintings, showcasing their beauty and the abundance of food.

Festivals and Competitions

Pie-eating contests are popular at fairs, where contestants race to eat the most pie in a set time, full of laughter and mess!
National Pie Day, celebrated on January 23rd, encourages people to bake and share their favorite recipes.
The Great American Pie Festival celebrates the art of pie-making with competitions, tastings, and workshops.

Science and Nutrition

Pies can be nutritious, especially fruit-filled varieties, providing vitamins and fiber from the fruit.
The process of baking changes the chemistry of ingredients, turning them into delicious desserts with complex flavors.
Homemade pies often have fewer preservatives than store-bought, allowing for healthier options with natural ingredients.

Translations

Translations of the word "pie" in other languages:

🇵🇹 torta

🇮🇳 पाई

🇩🇪 Kuchen

🇮🇩 pai

🇺🇦 пиріг

🇵🇱 ciasto

🇯🇵 パイ

🇫🇷 tarte

🇪🇸 pastel

🇹🇷 turta

🇰🇷 파이

🇸🇦 فطيرة

🇨🇿 koláč

🇸🇰 koláč

🇨🇳 馅饼

🇸🇮 pite

🇮🇸 baka

🇰🇿 пирог

🇬🇪 პიროგი

🇦🇿 pasta

🇲🇽 pastel

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,373 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8370 inventions
8371 congenital
8372 cinema
8373 pie
8374 laundry
8375 investigator
8376 shout
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