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Synonyms

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Vocabulary lists containing basting

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

Do note that basting can result in less crispy skin.

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2024

We layer on the flavors - first as a quick marinade for the chicken, then as a basting sauce, and finally as a finishing sauce.

From Washington Times • Aug. 11, 2023

The basting sauces are different from the bottled stuff available on the table to drizzle atop your finished chicken.

From Washington Post • Aug. 1, 2022

Some grammarians use the analogy of stitching: punctuation as the basting that holds the fabric of language in shape.

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author

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