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Stuffing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stuffing

[หˆstสŒfษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

Thanksgiving dish

Stuffing is a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs or cubes of bread, onions, celery, and other ingredients cooked inside a turkey or other poultry.

Synonyms

dressing, filling, forcemeat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stuffing

This term is commonly used when referring to a mixture of ingredients used to fill poultry, particularly turkey, during festive occasions like Thanksgiving. It can include bread, spices, and sometimes meat.

  • The turkey was filled with delicious stuffing.
  • My grandmother's stuffing recipe is a family favorite.
dressing

Dressing is often interchangeable with stuffing, particularly in some regions of the United States, but can also refer to a similar mixture that is cooked separately from the poultry. It also refers to sauces or toppings for salads and dishes.

  • They served cornbread dressing alongside the roast turkey.
  • I always add extra dressing to my salad.
filling

Filling refers broadly to any substance used to fill a cavity in food, such as pies, pastries, or sandwiches. It is not typically used for poultry.

  • The chocolate filling in the cake was rich and creamy.
  • I love sandwiches with a lot of filling.
forcemeat

Forcemeat is a finely ground mixture of meat and other ingredients, often used in sausages, pรขtรฉs, and stuffings. It tends to have a more formal or culinary connotation.

  • The chef prepared a fine forcemeat for the terrine.
  • The recipe called for a combination of chicken and pork forcemeat.

Examples of usage

  • I love the taste of my grandma's homemade stuffing.
  • Don't forget to stuff the turkey with the delicious stuffing before roasting it.
Context #2 | Noun

Informal

Stuffing is also a term used to describe the act of filling something completely or excessively.

Synonyms

cramming, loading, packing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stuffing

Often used when talking about filling something, typically food, especially when preparing dishes like turkey. It can also mean putting a lot of things into a container or space tightly.

  • The chef began stuffing the turkey with a delicious mix of bread and herbs.
  • She's stuffing her suitcase with clothes for the vacation.
packing

Typically used when referring to putting things into a suitcase, bag, or container, especially when preparing for travel or moving. It can also be used in the context of packaging products.

  • She is packing her bags for the trip to Paris.
  • The factory is busy packing the products for shipment.
cramming

Generally used in educational contexts where someone is trying to learn a lot of material in a short period. Can also refer to tightly filling a space with too many things, and this often has a negative connotation.

  • He was cramming for his final exams all night.
  • The students were cramming into the small classroom.
loading

Used when talking about placing goods or materials into a vehicle, container, or system. It can also refer to starting up software or a digital application.

  • They were loading the truck with boxes all morning.
  • The computer is still loading the new program.

Examples of usage

  • He was stuffing his face with popcorn during the movie.
  • She stuffed her suitcase with clothes for the trip.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Origins

  • Historically, stuffing was used to maximize the flavor and nutrition of meals, reducing waste in cooking.
  • The word 'stuffing' comes from the Old French 'estoffer', meaning to stuff or fill something.
  • In ancient Rome, stuffing was made with various meats and spices, showcasing a tradition of innovative cooking.

Cultural Significance

  • In the United States, stuffing is a vital component of Thanksgiving dinners, symbolizing holiday togetherness.
  • Different cultures have their own variations, such as 'rice pilaf' in Middle Eastern cuisine or 'farcir' in French cooking, which means to stuff.
  • Stuffing can differ widely across regions, utilizing local ingredients and flavors to create unique dishes.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and shows, stuffing often represents family gatherings and festive celebrations, cementing its place in holiday cheer.
  • Stuffing recipes often feature in popular cooking contests and social media food trends, demonstrating its versatile nature.

Nutritional Aspects

  • Commonly made with bread, stuffing can also include vegetables, meats, or even fruits, enhancing its nutritional value.
  • Stuffing can vary in calories depending on its ingredients, with some recipes being healthier due to the use of whole grains and vegetables.

Culinary Techniques

  • Cooking stuffing inside a turkey allows it to absorb flavors, while baking it separately creates a crispy texture.
  • Stuffing can also be used as a filling for other dishes, such as vegetables or pastries, showcasing its versatility in the kitchen.

Origin of 'stuffing'

The term 'stuffing' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the Middle English word 'stof' meaning 'material for making clothing'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the mixture used for filling poultry or other dishes.

See also: stuff, stuffed, stuffy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,508, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.