basting

¹

[ bey-sting ]

noun

1. sewing with long, loose stitches to hold material in place until the final sewing.
2. bastings, the stitches taken or the threads used.

basting

²

[ bey-sting ]

noun

1. the act of moistening food while cooking, especially with stock or pan juices.
2. the liquid used in basting.

basting

/ ˈbeɪstɪŋ /

noun

1. loose temporary stitches; tacking
2. sewing with such stitches

Word History and Origins

Origin of basting¹

First recorded in 1515–25; baste ¹ + -ing ¹

Origin of basting²

First recorded in 1520–30; baste ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

My method was always bringing the steak to room temperature, salting it heavily, then cooking it in a cast-iron pan that was scorchingly hot before basting with butter, garlic thyme and rosemary.

From Salon

But, despite basting it with melted butter and wine every half-hour, this bird was so dry.

From Seattle Times

But before you start basting the turkey and preparing the stuffing, it’s good to get your kitchen in as good a shape as possible.

From Seattle Times

We layer on the flavors - first as a quick marinade for the chicken, then as a basting sauce, and finally as a finishing sauce.

From Washington Times

Then we take a two-step approach to ensure it stays moist, basting it in butter as it cooks and then serving it with a luscious but bright sauce.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• grease