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Skillet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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skillet

skil-let

🇺🇸 /ˈskɪɫət/ · 🇬🇧 /skˈɪlɪt/

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

cooking utensil

A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning food. It typically has a long handle and a relatively shallow depth, making it ideal for cooking a variety of dishes.

Synonyms

frying pan, griddle, saute pan.

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Word Description / Examples
skillet

A skillet is a versatile cooking pan with sloped sides, perfect for frying, searing, and browning food. It can often go from the stovetop to the oven.

  • She used her skillet to sear the steak before finishing it in the oven.
  • Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the onions.
frying pan

A frying pan is ideal for cooking foods quickly in hot oil, such as frying eggs or making pancakes. It typically has a flat bottom and shallow sides.

  • He grabbed a frying pan to make some scrambled eggs.
  • The fish fillets were perfectly cooked in the frying pan.
saute pan

A saute pan has a flat bottom and straight sides, better for cooking techniques that involve a lot of stirring or flipping, such as sautéing vegetables or making sauces.

  • The saute pan was perfect for making that creamy garlic sauce.
  • He used a saute pan to cook the peppers and onions together.
griddle

A griddle is usually a flat, rectangular or square cooking surface that is used for cooking foods like pancakes, burgers, and grilled sandwiches simultaneously over an even heat.

  • She poured the pancake batter onto the hot griddle.
  • He cooked the hamburgers on the griddle for an even sear.

Examples of usage

  • You can cook eggs in a skillet.
  • Heat the skillet before adding the steak.
  • She used the skillet to sauté the vegetables.
Context #2 | Noun

music

In music, a skillet is a percussion instrument typically made of metal with a series of jingles attached to the sides. It is played by shaking or striking the instrument to produce a distinct sound.

Synonyms

jingle bell, tambourine.

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Word Description / Examples
skillet

A frying pan used for cooking. Typically mentioned in the context of preparing food.

  • Heat the oil in the skillet before adding the vegetables.
  • She flipped the pancake in the skillet with ease.
jingle bell

Typically mentioned during the holiday season, especially around Christmas. Used to describe small bells that make a jingling sound.

  • The children hung jingle bells on the Christmas tree.
  • You can hear the sound of jingle bells in the streets during Christmas time.
tambourine

A musical instrument, often used in folk, pop, and religious music. It consists of a small drum with metal discs around the edge.

  • The musician played the tambourine along with the guitar.
  • She added a tambourine shake to the song to give it a lively rhythm.

Examples of usage

  • The band added a skillet to their percussion section.
  • The sound of the skillet added a unique element to the music.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “skillet”

Skillet is a 2-syllable noun (skil-let). It is pronounced /ˈskɪɫət/ in American English and /skˈɪlɪt/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 5 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #16,558 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“skillet” in culinary art

  • A skillet is often made of cast iron, which distributes heat evenly, making it great for frying.
  • Non-stick skillets are popular for easier cooking and cleaning, allowing food to release without sticking.
  • Many chefs use skillets not just for cooking but also for serving, creating a rustic dining experience.

“skillet” in pop culture

  • Skillets have been featured in various cooking shows, showcasing techniques like sautéing and searing.
  • In some cultures, cooking in a skillet is celebrated during festivals, highlighting traditional recipes.
  • Online videos often demonstrate unusual uses for skillets, like baking cakes directly in them.

“skillet” in history

  • Skillets have been used for centuries, originating in ancient cooking practices where flat pans were essential.
  • In the 19th century, cast iron skillets became a staple in American kitchens due to their durability.
  • In many households, passing down a family skillet is a cherished tradition, connecting generations through recipes.

“skillet” in science

  • The material of a skillet affects cooking methods; for example, cast iron retains heat, influencing cooking time.
  • Chemical reactions occur in skillets during cooking, such as the Maillard reaction that browns food.
  • Research into non-stick coatings has led to innovations in cookware safety and performance.

Origin of 'skillet'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'skillet' comes from the Latin word 'scutella,' meaning a small plate or dish.
  • In Middle English, it was referred to as 'skillett,' showing its evolution over time.
  • The term was influenced by the Old French word 'eskillette,' which directly relates to a pan or pot.

The word 'skillet' originated from the Middle English word 'skelet', which in turn came from the Old French 'escuelette', meaning a small dish or pan. The use of skillets in cooking dates back centuries, evolving from simple metal pans to the versatile cookware we know today.

Rhymes

Skillet rhymes with millet, billet, gillott, grillot and milot.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,558, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.