greaseproof paper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Everyday, Culinary, Domestic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “greaseproof paper” mean?
A paper treated or manufactured to be resistant to grease and oil, used especially in cooking and food packaging.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A paper treated or manufactured to be resistant to grease and oil, used especially in cooking and food packaging.
By extension, any paper-like material designed to resist fat or oil penetration, sometimes used in technical contexts for packaging oily components or as a barrier in food preparation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more common in British English. In American English, the near-synonym 'parchment paper' (or sometimes 'baking parchment') is more frequently used, though 'greaseproof paper' is understood. In the US, 'wax paper' is a different, non-oven-safe product.
Connotations
In UK: a standard kitchen staple. In US: may sound slightly more technical or specifically British.
Frequency
High frequency in UK domestic contexts; lower, but still present, in US contexts, often in recipes of British origin or in professional baking.
Grammar
How to Use “greaseproof paper” in a Sentence
Line X with greaseproof paperWrap X in greaseproof paperPlace X on (a sheet of) greaseproof paperBake X on greaseproof paperVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “greaseproof paper” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb form. One might colloquially say 'I'll greaseproof the tin' meaning 'line with greaseproof paper'.)
American English
- (No standard verb form.)
adverb
British English
- (No adverb form.)
American English
- (No adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- A greaseproof paper liner is essential for these sticky buns.
- It comes in greaseproof paper bags.
American English
- (Less common; 'parchment paper' is preferred as adjective: 'parchment paper liner'.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in manufacturing or retail contexts related to food packaging or kitchen supplies.
Academic
Rare; might appear in materials science papers on coatings or barrier properties.
Everyday
Very common in cooking instructions, shopping lists, and kitchen conversations.
Technical
Used in food technology, packaging engineering, and bakery science to specify a type of barrier paper.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “greaseproof paper”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “greaseproof paper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “greaseproof paper”
- Confusing it with 'wax paper' (which melts in the oven).
- Using it as an adjective incorrectly (e.g., 'a greaseproof pan' instead of 'a pan lined with greaseproof paper').
- Spelling as two separate words ('grease proof') without the compound form is less standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, especially in baking, they are often used interchangeably. Technically, true parchment paper has undergone a more intensive chemical treatment, making it stronger and more heat-resistant, but most products sold as 'greaseproof paper' for home baking have similar properties.
Yes, most greaseproof paper designed for baking is oven-safe up to a certain temperature (usually around 220°C/425°F). Always check the packaging instructions.
Wax paper is coated with a thin layer of wax, which will melt and smoke at high oven temperatures. Greaseproof/parchment paper is treated to be non-stick and heat-resistant, making it suitable for baking. Do not confuse them.
It depends on the specific product. Unbleached, non-coated parchment paper can often be composted. Paper with silicone coatings or heavy bleaching may not be. Check local recycling guidelines, as many facilities cannot process grease-contaminated paper.
A paper treated or manufactured to be resistant to grease and oil, used especially in cooking and food packaging.
Greaseproof paper is usually everyday, culinary, domestic, technical in register.
Greaseproof paper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡriːspruːf ˈpeɪpə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡriːspruːf ˈpeɪpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None directly associated; the term is purely functional.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GREASE can't PROOF' it – it's like armour against grease. It *proofs* (protects) your baking tray from grease.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTIVE BARRIER / SHIELD (against oil and fat).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary functional property of greaseproof paper?