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cooking

n. · adj.
US //ˈkʊkɪŋ// UK //kˈʊkɪŋ// cook·ing
  1. 1 preparing food (n.)
    A1 Beginner Cooking

    the activity of preparing food by heating it.

    the process or activity of preparing food for consumption, typically involving the application of heat.

    Example

    My brother does most of the cooking in our house because he enjoys it.

    Example

    While some people find daily cooking a chore, others view the preparation of a complex meal as a therapeutic creative outlet.
  2. 2 style of food (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

    a particular style or quality of food.

    the style or quality of food prepared, often associated with a specific region or person.

    Example

    I really love my grandmother's home cooking.

    Example

    The restaurant is famous for its traditional French cooking, which relies heavily on fresh butter and seasonal herbs.
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  1. 3 used for food preparation (adj.)
    A2 Elementary Cooking

    describing something used for making food.

    intended for or used in the preparation of food; often used as an attributive modifier.

    Example

    We need to buy some new cooking oil and a large pot.

    Example

    The chef insisted on using professional-grade cooking utensils to ensure the heat was distributed evenly across the pan.
  2. 4 happening (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    happening or being planned right now.

    in progress or being planned; typically used in the phrase 'what's cooking'.

    Example

    You all look very busy; what's cooking?

    Example

    The marketing team has been very quiet lately, leading many to wonder what kind of new campaign is cooking behind closed doors.
Origin

From cook + -ing. The noun and adjective follow from the verb. The use of the word cooking to describe cheap bitter was popularized by the title character of the BBC sitcom Oh No, It’s Selwyn Froggitt (1974-1978). It refers to cooking sherry, a kind of sherry used in cooking but not suitable for drinking on its own.

Idioms3 entries

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