bakery
- 01 A1 Beginner
a place where bread and cakes are made or sold.
a place where bread, pastries, and cakes are baked or sold as a primary business.
Simple“The smell of fresh bread always comes from the bakery early in the morning.”
In context“The local bakery expanded its premises to include a small café area where customers could enjoy artisanal sourdough straight from the oven.”
Synonymsbakehousepatisserie - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a collection of baked foods like bread and cookies.
a collective term for various baked products, particularly in American English usage.
Simple“We bought some fresh bakery for the office party.”
In context“The supermarket aisle was stocked with a wide variety of fresh bakery, ranging from simple white loaves to elaborate fruit tarts.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun in this sense.
Teacher's tipThis collective use is more common in North America; British speakers usually say 'baked goods' or 'pastries'.
Synonymsbaked goodspastries - 03 C1 Advanced
the business or work of being a baker.
the occupation, craft, or commercial trade of a baker.
Simple“He spent his whole life learning the art of bakery.”
In context“The historical museum features an exhibit dedicated to the evolution of bakery from medieval communal ovens to industrial production lines.”
UsageUsed as an uncountable noun to describe the industry or profession.
Synonyms
From bake + -ery (“place of”). Replaced earlier bakehouse. Originally "place for making bread"; as "shop where baked goods are sold", it was believed by British travelers by 1832 to be an American-invented term.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.