# skillet

/ˈskɪɫət/ (US) · /skˈɪlɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/skillet
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a heavy frying pan with a long handle. You use it to cook food like eggs or meat on top of the stove.

For teachers: a shallow, flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. Often made of cast iron or stainless steel; synonymous with 'frying pan' in North American English.

## Examples

- He fried the eggs in a cast-iron skillet.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat before adding the chopped onions.
- The recipe requires a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure the heat is distributed evenly across the surface of the steak while searing.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in North American English; 'frying pan' is more frequent in British English.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.