oven

[uhv-uhn]

noun

1. a chamber or compartment, as in a stove, for baking, roasting, heating, drying, etc.

oven

/ ˈʌvən /

noun

1. an enclosed heated compartment or receptacle for baking or roasting food

2. a similar device, usually lined with a refractory material, used for drying substances, firing ceramics, heat-treating, etc

verb

1. (tr) to cook in an oven

Other Word Forms

• ovenlike adjective
• oven-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oven¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English ofen; cognate with German Ofen, Old Norse ofn

Word History and Origins

Origin of oven¹

Old English ofen; related to Old High German ofan, Old Norse ofn

Example Sentences

Those without air conditioning should take cool showers or baths, use their stoves and ovens less and visit a place that does have air conditioning, such as a library or mall.

From Los Angeles Times

If your hatred for the show burns hotter than your oven’s broiler, there’s a brisk business in finding creative new ways to heap verbal compost on the titular host and all her endeavors.

From Salon

Batch cooking and using an air fryer or microwave rather than heating up the oven for a small item can save energy.

From BBC

The burrito can be warmed up in the microwave or a conventional oven or a skillet before packing.

From Salon

These are the cruelest days of harvest, when the sun turns fields into slow ovens and the heat climbs before breakfast, holding on until the stars are out.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• kiln 
• microwave 
• microwave oven 
• stove