Pudding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pudding
[ˈpʊdɪŋ ]
Definitions
dessert
A sweet dish made by boiling or baking a mixture of milk or cream with sugar, eggs, and other ingredients such as rice or bread.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pudding |
Addressed above, repetition noted. This could indicate different contexts based on regional use (American vs British).
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| dessert |
A general term used to refer to the sweet course served at the end of a meal. It encompasses a wide range of sweet foods.
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| sweet |
Often used to refer to candies or sugary snacks, particularly in British English. Can also be an informal way to refer to desserts or anything that tastes sugary.
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| treat |
Used to describe a special food item that is enjoyed occasionally, often as a reward or indulgence. It does not have to be sweet.
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Examples of usage
- The chocolate pudding was rich and creamy.
- She made a delicious bread pudding for dessert.
- Would you like some vanilla pudding?
- I love having pudding after dinner.
- The pudding was topped with fresh berries.
British
A sweet or savory dish cooked by boiling or steaming.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pudding |
Commonly used in British English to refer to a sweet dessert. In American English, it often denotes a creamy, sweetened dish, typically made with milk.
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| dish |
Refers to a specific type of food preparation or recipe that is part of a meal. It can be used to describe anything from an appetizer to a main course or dessert.
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| course |
Used to describe one part of a meal that is served separately. It often refers to the sequence in which dishes are served, such as appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
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| meal |
Describes an occasion when food is eaten, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can include multiple courses or dishes.
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Examples of usage
- She served a traditional Christmas pudding.
- He ordered a steak and kidney pudding.
- The pudding was served with custard.
- I've never tried spotted dick pudding before.
- The pudding was a popular choice on the menu.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Traditions
- In Britain, the word 'pudding' can describe any dessert, whereas in the U.S., it refers specifically to creamy desserts, like chocolate pudding.
- There are countless regional variations of pudding across cultures, including rice pudding, bread pudding, and tapioca pudding.
Pop Culture
- Pudding has appeared in various children's stories and media, often depicted as a comforting and enjoyable food.
- The phrase 'pudding pie' often appears in songs and children's shows, evoking a whimsical sense of fun and sweetness.
Historical Significance
- Historically, puddings were often used to utilize leftovers and were seen as a way of making food go further, especially during wartime.
- In the 19th century, the invention of steam cooking led to the rise of many pudding varieties, making it easier to prepare them.
Nutrition
- Depending on the recipe, puddings can be a source of carbohydrates, as they often contain milk and sugar, but they can also be enriched with healthy ingredients like fruits or nuts.
- Puddings made with whole ingredients can provide a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a more nutritious choice compared to highly processed desserts.
Origin of 'pudding'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'pudding' comes from the Old French word 'pouding', which itself is derived from the Latin 'pudere', meaning to 'be soft'.
- In medieval England, pudding originally referred to savory dishes, often made from meat, encased in a skin, akin to sausages.
The word 'pudding' originates from the Old French word 'boudin', which means 'sausage'. Originally, pudding referred to any dish that was boiled or steamed. Over time, the term evolved to specifically refer to sweet dishes in British English. Pudding has been a popular dessert choice in many cultures around the world for centuries.
See also: puddings.