cooking

American  

[kook-ing] / ˈkʊk ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that cooks.

2. the art or practice of preparing food; cookery.

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adjective

1. used in preparing foods.

   All of my cooking utensils are packed, so I had to order pizza.

2. suited for use in cooked food.

   The Golden Delicious is our favorite cooking apple, especially for applesauce.

Other Word Forms

• self-cooking adjective

Etymology

Origin of cooking

First recorded in 1635–45; cook ¹ + -ing ¹ for the noun senses; cook ¹ + -ing ² for the adjective senses

Example Sentences

“This guy is a real foodie,” Fieri said about Rossdale, who has his own cooking show.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

But while India is grappling with disruptions to cooking gas supplies, it has so far avoided the petrol shortages that have hit some neighbouring nations.

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

“That could be our mother’s cooking or grandmother’s recipes. All of that just drives our sense of stability when we’re feeling fragile.”

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

The U.S. has also emerged as a much-needed source of products like jet and cooking fuel that have been severely disrupted by the war.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

The meaty smell of whatever was cooking made Torak’s mouth water.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Related Words

• cookery
• cuisine
• culinary art
• culinary science