Shortbread: meaning, definitions and examples

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shortbread

 

[ ˈʃɔːtbrɛd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biscuit

A type of biscuit that is rich and crumbly in texture, typically made with flour, sugar, and butter. Shortbread is a popular treat often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

Synonyms

biscuit, cookie, crumbly treat.

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Word Description / Examples
shortbread

Usually describes a buttery, crumbly cookie, often associated with Scottish cuisine. Ideal for formal or traditional settings.

  • I baked some shortbread for the afternoon tea.
  • Scottish shortbread is great for serving with a hot cup of tea.
biscuit

Commonly used in British English to describe a broad range of baked goods, often eaten as a snack or with tea or coffee.

  • Would you like a biscuit with your tea?
  • She always keeps a tin of biscuits in her office.
cookie

Predominantly used in American English to describe a wide variety of baked snacks. This term is more casual and versatile.

  • Can I have a chocolate chip cookie?
  • We made a batch of cookies for the school bake sale.
crumbly treat

A general, more poetic way to refer to any baked good that has a crumbly texture. Suitable for descriptive or informal contexts.

  • Grandma made her famous crumbly treats for the holiday.
  • I can't resist a crumbly treat with my morning coffee.

Examples of usage

  • I love to have shortbread with my afternoon tea.
  • She baked a batch of delicious shortbread cookies for the party.

Translations

Translations of the word "shortbread" in other languages:

🇵🇹 biscoito amanteigado

🇮🇳 शॉर्टब्रेड

🇩🇪 Mürbeteigkeks

🇮🇩 kue kering mentega

🇺🇦 пісочне печиво

🇵🇱 kruche ciastko

🇯🇵 ショートブレッド (shōtobureddo)

🇫🇷 sablé

🇪🇸 galleta de mantequilla

🇹🇷 kıtır kurabiye

🇰🇷 쇼트브레드 (syoteubeuredeu)

🇸🇦 بسكويت الزبدة

🇨🇿 křehký sušenka

🇸🇰 krehký koláčik

🇨🇳 黄油饼干 (huángyóu bǐnggān)

🇸🇮 pescovo pecivo

🇮🇸 smjörbakað kex

🇰🇿 қысқа нан

🇬🇪 კარაქის ორცხობილა

🇦🇿 qısa çörək

🇲🇽 galleta de mantequilla

Etymology

Shortbread has its origins in Scotland, where it has been a traditional treat for centuries. The recipe for shortbread is believed to have originated from medieval times when butter, sugar, and flour were luxury ingredients. Over the years, shortbread has become a popular biscuit not only in Scotland but around the world, known for its rich and buttery flavor.

See also: short, shortage, shortcomings, shortcut, shortcuts, shorten, shortened, shortening, shortenings, shortfall, shortly, shortness, shortsighted.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,482, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.