# wok

/ˈwɑk/ (US) · /wˈɒk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wok
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

a round, deep cooking pan with high sides and a curved bottom. It is used for stir-frying and is common in Chinese cooking.

For teachers: a round, deep cooking pan with high, sloping sides and a curved base, typically made of carbon steel or cast iron. Designed for high-heat cooking methods such as stir-frying and deep-frying.

## Examples

- She uses a wok to stir-fry the vegetables quickly.
- The chef heated the wok until it was smoking before adding the oil to prevent the food from sticking.
- While traditionally associated with Chinese cuisine, the wok has gained global popularity due to its versatility in high-heat cooking and its ability to create a unique sear known as the 'wok hei'.

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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.