skillet
B1Informal, especially in US English; cooking/cuisine context.
Definition
Meaning
A frying pan, typically one with a long handle and sometimes low sides.
Any cooking dish or container used for frying or baking, such as a small metal pot or a cast-iron pan.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes a specific kitchen utensil. In British English, use is less common and may sound old-fashioned or American. The word can imply a rustic, hearty, or traditional style of cooking, especially when referring to cast-iron skillets.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Skillet' is the common, everyday term for a frying pan in American English. In British English, 'frying pan' or 'pan' is standard; 'skillet' is recognized but used less frequently, often to denote a specific type of heavy pan (e.g., cast iron).
Connotations
US: Neutral, common household item. UK: May connote an American or old-fashioned item, or a specific type of heavy-duty pan.
Frequency
High frequency in US English; low-to-moderate frequency in UK English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
heat + skilletplace + in + skilletcook + in + skilletremove + from + skilletVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Out of the frying pan and into the fire (uses 'frying pan', not 'skillet')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; only in retail contexts (e.g., 'cookware sales of skillets increased').
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical or culinary studies texts.
Everyday
Common in domestic/cooking contexts, especially in the US.
Technical
Used in culinary arts and cookware manufacturing specifications.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
American English
- Can you skillet the potatoes while I prepare the eggs?
adjective
American English
- This is a great skillet recipe for chicken.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I cooked eggs in the skillet.
- The skillet is on the stove.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet before adding the onions.
- She makes the best cornbread in her cast-iron skillet.
- For an authentic taste, sear the steak in a preheated skillet until a crust forms.
- The recipe specifically calls for an ovenproof skillet to finish the dish under the grill.
- His culinary philosophy revolves around the versatility of the humble skillet, from searing proteins to baking desserts.
- The archaeologist identified the artefact as a bronze skillet, used for both cooking and ceremonial purposes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SKILLET sounds like 'skill it' – you need skill to cook a good meal in a skillet.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SKILLET IS A SOURCE OF SUSTENANCE/HOME COOKING (e.g., 'everything came from her skillet').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'сковородка' (frying pan) – while correct, overuse of 'skillet' in UK contexts sounds unnatural. The direct translation is accurate but register-sensitive.
- Avoid associating it with 'кастрюля' (pot/saucepan).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'skillet' interchangeably with 'saucepan' (a deep pot).
- Overusing 'skillet' in British English where 'pan' suffices.
- Misspelling as 'skillit' or 'skillette'.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the word 'skillet' most commonly used as the default term for a frying pan?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, yes, they are generally synonymous. Technically, a skillet often refers to a frying pan with slightly sloping sides and a long handle, but the terms are used interchangeably.
Yes, you will be understood, but 'frying pan' or simply 'pan' is more common and natural in everyday British English.
It is a heavy-duty frying pan made of cast iron, known for its excellent heat retention and ability to develop a natural non-stick surface ('seasoning') over time. It's popular for searing and frying.
No, it is informal, especially in the context of home cooking. In professional culinary settings, more specific terms like 'sauté pan' or 'fry pan' might be used, but 'skillet' remains common.