cookies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1 (for the baked good); B1/B2 (for the computing term)Neutral (baked good); Informal (attractive person); Technical/Neutral (computing).
Quick answer
What does “cookies” mean?
Small, sweet, baked cakes, typically flat and crisp, often containing chocolate chips, nuts, etc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Small, sweet, baked cakes, typically flat and crisp, often containing chocolate chips, nuts, etc.
1. Data packets sent by a web server to a user's browser, stored and returned to identify the user or track their activity. 2. (Slang) An attractive person. 3. (Informal, dated) A person, especially of a specified kind (e.g., 'a tough cookie').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'biscuit' is the dominant term for the baked item. 'Cookie' is used, but typically for larger, softer, chunkier, or American-style products (e.g., chocolate chip cookies). In the US, 'cookie' is the universal term; 'biscuit' refers to a soft, savory bread roll.
Connotations
In the UK, 'cookie' often has an American or specific/gourmet connotation. In the US, no special connotation for the baked good.
Frequency
Much more frequent in US English for the baked item. The computing term is equally frequent in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “cookies” in a Sentence
bake [cookies]accept [cookies]store [cookies]enable/disable [cookies]delete/clear [cookies]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cookies” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The website will cookie your browser for login purposes.
American English
- The site cookies users to track their preferences.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard)
American English
- (Rare/Non-standard)
adjective
British English
- She runs a cookie-baking business from home.
American English
- We need to update our cookie policy on the website.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to web data tracking and user privacy policies (e.g., 'Our site uses cookies to personalise ads').
Academic
Rare, except in computer science/IT contexts discussing web technology and privacy.
Everyday
Primarily refers to the baked sweet snack (e.g., 'Would you like a cookie with your coffee?').
Technical
Specifically HTTP cookies, used in web development and cybersecurity.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cookies”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cookies”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cookies”
- Using 'cookie' as an uncountable noun (*'I ate some cookie'). Correct: 'I ate a cookie/some cookies'.
- Confusing US 'cookie' with UK 'biscuit' in writing for a specific audience.
- In computing, saying 'a cookies' – it's 'a cookie', 'some cookies'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for both the baked good and the computing term. You have a cookie, two cookies, several cookies.
In British English, 'biscuit' is the general term. 'Cookie' usually refers to a specific type—softer, chunkier, and often containing chocolate chips, reflecting the American style.
Not inherently. They are simple text files. However, tracking cookies can be used to monitor your browsing activity across sites, raising privacy concerns.
Yes, in technical computing contexts (e.g., 'The site cookies your device'). It is rare in everyday speech.
Small, sweet, baked cakes, typically flat and crisp, often containing chocolate chips, nuts, etc.
Cookies is usually neutral (baked good); informal (attractive person); technical/neutral (computing). in register.
Cookies: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʊkiːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʊkiz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “That's the way the cookie crumbles (US/Informal)”
- “Tough cookie”
- “Smart cookie”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cook baking a key treat: COOK makes a KEY treat = COOKIE. For the computing term: a website 'cooks up' a small piece of data to remember you.
Conceptual Metaphor
SWEETNESS IS PLEASURE / DATA IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (a cookie is a small, stored piece).
Practice
Quiz
In UK English, which term is most commonly used for a sweet, crisp baked item like a digestive?