English Reference
noun · verb

cookie

n. · v.
US /ˈkʊki/ UK /kˈʊki/ cook·ie UK spelling cookie's, cookie's

  1. 01 A1 Beginner American English

    n.a small, flat, sweet cake that is usually crisp or soft.

    n.a small, flat, baked confection, typically sweet and often containing ingredients such as chocolate chips or nuts.

    Simple

    He baked a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies for the party.

    In context

    The bakery specializes in artisanal cookies made with organic flour and locally sourced honey.

    Usage

    In British English, 'biscuit' is the general term, while 'cookie' often refers specifically to larger, softer varieties with inclusions like chocolate chips.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Technical Computing

    n.a small file that a website puts on your computer to remember your settings or what you like.

    n.a small piece of data sent from a website and stored on the user's computer by the web browser while the user is browsing.

    Simple

    You need to enable cookies in your browser to stay logged into the site.

    In context

    Modern privacy regulations require websites to obtain explicit consent before deploying non-essential tracking cookies on a visitor's device.

    Usage

    Usually used in the plural when referring to browser settings.

    HTTP cookietracker
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.a person of a particular type, usually used with an adjective like 'tough' or 'smart'.

    n.a person of a specified kind, typically used in idiomatic expressions to describe character.

    Simple

    My grandmother is one tough cookie; she still lives alone at ninety.

    In context

    The lead negotiator was known for being a sharp cookie who could spot a hidden clause from a mile away.

    Teacher's tip

    Almost always paired with an adjective (e.g., 'tough cookie', 'smart cookie').

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    v.to send a small data file to a user's computer to track their activity.

    v.to store a cookie on a user's computer or to track a user via such data.

    Simple

    The site cookies every visitor to show them personalized ads later.

    In context

    The marketing firm was criticized for its aggressive strategy of cookying users across multiple third-party domains without clear disclosure.

Don't confuse

cookie vs biscuit — Biscuit refers to a hard, dry cracker in British English, while cookie refers to a soft, sweet treat in American English.

Usage cookies to personalize

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Common
Updated