forcemeat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Technical / Culinary
Quick answer
What does “forcemeat” mean?
A seasoned mixture of chopped or ground meat and other ingredients, used as a stuffing or filling.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A seasoned mixture of chopped or ground meat and other ingredients, used as a stuffing or filling.
Any finely chopped and seasoned mixture of meat, fish, or vegetables, often bound with egg, bread, or cream, used in various culinary preparations like stuffings, terrines, and quenelles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both culinary contexts, but is perhaps slightly more common in classic British cookery (e.g., game pies). In the US, the broader term 'sausage meat' or specific terms like 'breakfast sausage' might be used for similar mixtures.
Connotations
Connotes traditional, often elaborate or haute cuisine. In both varieties, it suggests a recipe from a professional kitchen or an older cookbook.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Used almost exclusively in professional cooking, historical recipes, and gourmet food writing.
Grammar
How to Use “forcemeat” in a Sentence
[prepare/make/season] + forcemeatforcemeat + [for/of] + [dish (e.g., pie, poultry)][stuff/fill/line] + [something] + [with] + forcemeatVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forcemeat” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The forcemeat stuffing was beautifully seasoned.
American English
- A forcemeat-based filling is traditional for this dish.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or culinary studies texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would be replaced by 'stuffing' in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in professional cookery and classic recipe books.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forcemeat”
- Spelling as 'forcmeat' or 'forcemiet'. Mispronouncing the 'force' part with a strong /s/ sound as in the verb 'to force'. Using it to mean any kind of minced meat without the seasoning/stuffing context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are similar but not identical. Sausage meat is a type of forcemeat, but 'forcemeat' is a broader term that can include mixtures of fish or vegetables and often has a finer texture, specifically intended for stuffing or terrines.
The 'force' comes from the Old French 'farsir' (to stuff), which is also the root of 'farce'. It refers to the action of forcing or stuffing the mixture into something, not to physical strength.
Typically, no. It is designed as a component—a stuffing, filling, or base for another dish like a pâté, terrine, or quenelle. However, it is cooked and safe to eat once prepared.
No. It is a highly specialised culinary term. An English learner would only encounter it in very specific contexts like cooking classes, historical novels, or high-end recipe books. The word 'stuffing' is the common, everyday equivalent.
A seasoned mixture of chopped or ground meat and other ingredients, used as a stuffing or filling.
Forcemeat is usually formal / technical / culinary in register.
Forcemeat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːsmiːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːrsmiːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FORCEMEAT as meat that is 'forced' or pressed into a cavity as a stuffing. Remember the 'force' is about the action of stuffing, not strength.
Conceptual Metaphor
NOT APPLICABLE / LITERAL CULINARY TERM
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'forcemeat'?