Word
mince
US/ˈmɪns/
UK/mˈɪns/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. meat that has been cut into very small pieces using a machine. You use it to make dishes like burgers, pasta sauce, or pies.
n. meat, typically beef, that has been finely chopped or ground in a mincer. Often used as a base for various culinary preparations.
Examples
“I bought some beef mince to make a bolognese sauce.”
“The recipe calls for five hundred grams of lean pork mince and a variety of fresh herbs.”
“While higher fat content in mince provides more flavour during the browning process, many health-conscious consumers prefer leaner grinds for their everyday cooking.”
Examples
simple
“I bought some beef mince to make a bolognese sauce.”
contextual
“The recipe calls for five hundred grams of lean pork mince and a variety of fresh herbs.”
complex
“While higher fat content in mince provides more flavour during the browning process, many health-conscious consumers prefer leaner grinds for their everyday cooking.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the meat as a substance; occasionally countable in British English when referring to specific types or portions.
Pitfall
I bought three minces
I bought three packs of mince
Mince is typically uncountable; use a container or weight to specify quantity.
Real-World Examples
“Recipe searches for “lasagne with pork mince” have doubled on its website, while searches for “pulled pork nachos” are up 45%.” Idioms
01. mince words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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