basting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Technical (culinary, tailoring); Archaic (thrashing sense)
Quick answer
What does “basting” mean?
The culinary technique of moistening meat or other food during cooking with its own juices, melted fat, or other liquid to keep it from drying out and to add flavour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The culinary technique of moistening meat or other food during cooking with its own juices, melted fat, or other liquid to keep it from drying out and to add flavour.
1. The sewing technique of making long, temporary stitches to hold layers of fabric together before final sewing. 2. A severe beating or thrashing (archaic).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and some terminology remain identical. The sewing sense is more common in UK craft terminology, while the culinary sense dominates in both.
Connotations
Neutral/technical in both culinary and sewing contexts. No significant difference.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in everyday conversation, but standard within its specific domains.
Grammar
How to Use “basting” in a Sentence
baste + OBJECT (e.g., baste the chicken)baste + OBJECT + with + LIQUID (e.g., baste the joint with butter)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “basting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You must baste the joint every twenty minutes.
- She basted the hem before machine-stitching it.
American English
- Remember to baste the turkey with pan drippings.
- I need to baste these quilt pieces together first.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used.
American English
- Not typically used.
adjective
British English
- A basting brush is essential for roast potatoes.
- Use a basting thread that contrasts with the fabric.
American English
- The basting liquid flavored the entire bird.
- Her basting stitches were perfectly even.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in cookware or fabric industry.
Academic
Found in culinary arts, fashion design, and textile history papers.
Everyday
Primarily used when discussing cooking (e.g., roasting a turkey) or home sewing.
Technical
Core terminology in professional kitchens (saucier/roast section) and tailoring/sewing manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “basting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “basting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “basting”
- Misspelling as 'beasting' or 'basting'.
- Using it to mean 'cooking' generally instead of the specific moistening action.
- Confusing the verb forms 'baste' (present) and 'basting' (gerund/participle).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common with roasted meats, it can apply to vegetables, poultry, fish, or any food being roasted or baked where added moisture is desired.
Basting is primarily for moisture, often with pan juices or butter. Glazing is for adding a shiny, often sweet or sticky, coating (like honey or syrup), though the actions can overlap.
Yes, but a longer 'basting' or 'between' needle is easier to handle for long, temporary stitches. The thread should also be weak enough to break or be removed easily.
Scientific tests are mixed. It adds flavour and can improve surface texture/browning, but most moisture loss is internal. Frequent oven opening to baste can actually lower temperature and extend cooking time.
The culinary technique of moistening meat or other food during cooking with its own juices, melted fat, or other liquid to keep it from drying out and to add flavour.
Basting is usually formal/technical (culinary, tailoring); archaic (thrashing sense) in register.
Basting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbeɪ.stɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbeɪ.stɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine BASTing a turkey with a brush, or making a long STING (stitch) in fabric. Both keep things together.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS COVERING (culinary: covering with liquid to protect from dryness; sewing: covering/joining with thread to protect alignment).
Practice
Quiz
In a sewing context, 'basting' refers to: