hotpot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal; Culinary; (UK) Social.
Quick answer
What does “hotpot” mean?
A dish of meat and vegetables, especially potatoes, cooked slowly in a covered pot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dish of meat and vegetables, especially potatoes, cooked slowly in a covered pot.
A social gathering or event, particularly common in UK universities and businesses, where participants bring and share food, often prepared communally.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'hotpot' commonly refers to a specific stew, notably 'Lancashire hotpot', and also to a social event. In the US, the culinary term is less common and might be understood as a generic term for a stew or a fondue-style dish. The social event meaning is largely absent in AmE.
Connotations
UK: Evokes traditional, hearty, home-cooked food and community. US: Less specific, potentially seen as an exotic or unfamiliar dish.
Frequency
Frequent in UK English, especially in culinary and social contexts. Low frequency in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “hotpot” in a Sentence
We had a hotpot.She made a lamb hotpot for dinner.The department is organising a hotpot.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hotpot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In UK businesses: 'We're having a team-building hotpot on Friday.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or cultural studies of British cuisine.
Everyday
Common in UK domestic and social contexts: 'Fancy a hotpot tonight?' or 'Are you going to the freshers' hotpot?'
Technical
Not used in technical fields; distinct from computing 'hot pot'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hotpot”
- Writing as two words: 'hot pot' (which is different).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to hotpot' is non-standard).
- Assuming it is universally understood in American contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a type of stew, specifically one cooked slowly in a pot with a lid, often distinguished by a topping of sliced potatoes.
No, 'hotpot' is exclusively a noun in standard English.
In the UK, it's a common specific dish and social event type. In the US, it's a less familiar term for a stew or a communal cooking pot meal.
A famous British dish from Lancashire, typically made with lamb or mutton, onions, and carrots, topped with sliced potatoes and baked slowly.
A dish of meat and vegetables, especially potatoes, cooked slowly in a covered pot.
Hotpot is usually informal; culinary; (uk) social. in register.
Hotpot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒtpɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːtpɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Everything but the kitchen sink" could go into a hotpot.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HOT cooking POT with a lid on – that's a HOTPOT.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNITY IS A SHARED MEAL (for the social event sense).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'hotpot' MOST likely used in British English?