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.

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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.

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basting British  

/ ˈbeɪstɪŋ /

noun

1. loose temporary stitches; tacking

2. sewing with such stitches

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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

My method was always bringing the steak to room temperature, salting it heavily, then cooking it in a cast-iron pan that was scorchingly hot before basting with butter, garlic thyme and rosemary.

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2024

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

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

At the Bunch of Grapes a maid was basting a roast of beef.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes

Related Words

• grease