basting

¹ American  

[bey-sting] / ˈbeɪ stɪŋ /

noun

1. sewing with long, loose stitches to hold material in place until the final sewing.

2. bastings, the stitches taken or the threads used.

---

basting ² American  

[bey-sting] / ˈbeɪ stɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of moistening food while cooking, especially with stock or pan juices.

2. the liquid used in basting.

---

basting British  

/ ˈbeɪstɪŋ /

noun

1. loose temporary stitches; tacking

2. sewing with such stitches

---

Etymology

Origin of basting¹

First recorded in 1515–25; baste ¹ + -ing ¹

Origin of basting²

First recorded in 1520–30; baste ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

In August 2023, the state blamed another botched satellite launch on an error in the emergency basting system, but said it was "not a big issue".

From BBC • May 21, 2025

Follow up: If there's barely any liquid at the bottom of my roasting pan, what should I be basting with?

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2024

But before you start basting the turkey and preparing the stuffing, it’s good to get your kitchen in as good a shape as possible.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2023

Then we take a two-step approach to ensure it stays moist, basting it in butter as it cooks and then serving it with a luscious but bright sauce.

From Washington Times • May 19, 2023

I guess she did, because she finally pushed the basting pan aside and went to the sink to wash her hands.

From "The Lions of Little Rock" by Kristin Levine

Related Words

• grease