parchment paper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Everyday (Culinary), Technical (Food Science), Commercial (Baking Supplies)
Quick answer
What does “parchment paper” mean?
A moisture-resistant, non-stick, heat-tolerant paper made from cellulose and sometimes silicone-treated, used for baking and cooking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A moisture-resistant, non-stick, heat-tolerant paper made from cellulose and sometimes silicone-treated, used for baking and cooking.
A specific type of kitchen paper designed for baking, often used as a liner to prevent food from sticking to pans or for tasks like en papillote cooking; may also be known by brand names (e.g., Bake-O-Glide).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'baking parchment' or 'greaseproof paper' are common synonyms, with 'parchment paper' being a more modern/imported term. In the US, 'parchment paper' is dominant.
Connotations
UK: May imply a slightly more traditional, unbleached product (e.g., 'bakewell parchment'). US: Strongly associated with modern, convenience-oriented home baking and cooking shows.
Frequency
Very high in US culinary contexts; moderately high but with more synonym variation in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “parchment paper” in a Sentence
Line [pan/tray] with parchment paper.Place [food item] on a sheet of parchment paper.Bake [item] on parchment paper for [time].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parchment paper” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I always parchment-line my tins for sticky gingerbread.
- The recipe said to parchment the roasting tray.
American English
- Make sure to parchment-line that cookie sheet.
- She parchment-papered the pan for easy cleanup.
adjective
British English
- Use a parchment-lined tin.
- It's a parchment-paper case for cupcakes.
American English
- This is a parchment-paper liner.
- The recipe calls for a parchment-paper sling.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a product line in retail, e.g., 'Our parchment paper sales increased 15% this quarter.'
Academic
Used in food science papers discussing heat transfer, non-stick properties, or compostability of cellulose-based products.
Everyday
Common in recipes and cooking instructions: 'Line your baking tray with parchment paper.'
Technical
Specified in industrial baking and confectionery for its release properties and compliance with food contact regulations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parchment paper”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parchment paper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parchment paper”
- Using 'wax paper' interchangeably (it smokes/burns).
- Putting parchment paper directly under a broiler/grill (can burn).
- Confusing with 'buttered paper' or 'floured paper' in older recipes.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Wax paper is coated with paraffin wax, which can melt and smoke at oven temperatures. Parchment paper is coated with silicone, making it heat-resistant and non-stick.
It's designed for single use. While you might get a second use if it's not too soiled or burned, its non-stick properties degrade, and it can become brittle.
Unbleached, non-coated parchment paper is compostable. However, most commercial parchment paper is silicone-treated, which may not break down in home composting and should be checked locally.
Unbleached parchment paper is brown/tan and is processed without chlorine. Bleached is white. There is minimal functional difference in baking, though some prefer unbleached for environmental reasons.
A moisture-resistant, non-stick, heat-tolerant paper made from cellulose and sometimes silicone-treated, used for baking and cooking.
Parchment paper is usually everyday (culinary), technical (food science), commercial (baking supplies) in register.
Parchment paper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːtʃmənt ˈpeɪpə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːrtʃmənt ˈpeɪpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As useful as parchment paper in a bakery. (Informal, rare)”
- “On parchment paper terms. (Extremely rare, implying a non-stick, non-binding agreement)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an ancient **parchment** scroll being used in a modern kitchen as **paper** for baking – it's the old word for the modern, heat-resistant kitchen essential.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PROTECTIVE SKIN/SHIELD (for bakeware), A RELEASE AGENT (for food).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a correct use for standard parchment paper?