shortening

1 of 2

noun

short·​en·​ing ˈshȯrt-niŋ How to pronounce shortening (audio)
ˈshȯr-tᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of shorteningnext
1
: the action or process of making or becoming short
specifically : the dropping of the latter part of a word so as to produce a new and shorter word of the same meaning
2
: an edible fat used to shorten baked goods

shortening

2 of 2

present participle of shorten

Examples of shortening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Any specific technical capability has a shortening shelf life, and what holds value is the layer underneath. — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The height of this strategy shift was the Sneak Attack by Roger (SABR), in which Federer crept forward to return opponent’s serves almost on the half volley, shortening points and taking away time from his opponent. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Jump to Nutrition Facts Cream of tartar gives the cookies their signature snickerdoodle tang, while coconut oil mimics the flavor and texture of vegetable shortening, another traditional ingredient in snickerdoodles. — Emily Paster, Midwest Living, 15 Aug. 2026 Used as a dinner roll, Scott reworked Savage’s original recipe to include more shortening, eggs, sugar, and water, achieving a richer flavor and a longer shelf life. — Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortening

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortening was in 1538

Rhymes for shortening

See All Rhymes for shortening

Browse Nearby Words

shorten in
shortening
short ess
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Cite this Entry

“Shortening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortening. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shortening

noun
short·​en·​ing
ˈshȯrt-niŋ, 
-ᵊn-iŋ
1
: a making or becoming short or shorter
2
: a fat (as butter or lard) used in baking especially to make pastry flaky or crumbly

More from Merriam-Webster on shortening

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shortening

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shortening

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