hot pot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, culinary
Quick answer
What does “hot pot” mean?
A stew of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in a sealed pot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A stew of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in a sealed pot.
A communal dish, popular in the UK and parts of Asia, consisting of a simmering pot of broth at the center of a dining table, into which participants cook thin slices of meat, vegetables, and other ingredients.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'hot pot' strongly connotes the traditional Lancashire dish. In the US, the term is more likely to refer to Asian-style hot pot dining or to a generic stew.
Connotations
UK: Hearty, traditional, northern English, home cooking. US: Ethnic cuisine, communal, social dining, restaurant experience.
Frequency
The term is significantly more frequent in the UK. In the US, 'hot pot' is less common than specific terms like 'Mongolian hot pot' or 'Chinese hot pot'.
Grammar
How to Use “hot pot” in a Sentence
[have/eat/make] a hot pot[go out for] hot pothot pot [of/in] [meat/broth]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hot pot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're hotpotting on Saturday.
American English
- We're going hot potting this weekend.
adjective
British English
- It was a proper hot-pot supper.
American English
- She loved the hot-pot experience.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in hospitality/tourism contexts (e.g., 'The restaurant's hot pot offering increased winter revenue.').
Academic
Rare, may appear in cultural or culinary studies papers.
Everyday
Common in social planning ('Let's go for hot pot tonight.') and recipe discussions.
Technical
Used in culinary arts, referring to specific cooking techniques and equipment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hot pot”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hot pot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hot pot”
- Using 'hotpot' as one word for the Asian style (more common as two words: hot pot). Confusing it with a 'crockpot' (slow cooker appliance). Using it as a verb ('Let's hot pot') – it's a noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are acceptable, though 'hotpot' is more common for the British dish, and 'hot pot' (two words) is typical for the Asian style.
Lamb or mutton, topped with sliced potatoes.
Yes, typically a portable electric pot with a divider (for two broths) or a fondue set with a heat source.
It can be, as it involves boiling or simmering fresh ingredients. Healthiness depends on the broth base (clear vs. oily) and the balance of meats and vegetables.
A stew of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in a sealed pot.
Hot pot is usually informal, culinary in register.
Hot pot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒt pɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːt pɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not an idiom, but a dish name]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a POT that's so HOT it's simmering with food for everyone to share – a HOT POT.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNITY IS A SHARED POT (the act of cooking and eating from one pot symbolizes unity and sharing).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most defining characteristic of an Asian-style hot pot meal?