Definition of 'gingerbread'
© ffolas, Shutterstock
You may also like
Word Frequency
gingerbread in British English
noun
2.
b.
(as modifier)
gingerbread man
3.
a.
an elaborate but unsubstantial ornamentation
b.
(as modifier)
gingerbread style of architecture
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word Frequency
gingerbread in American English
noun
1.
a.
a cake flavored with ginger and molasses
adjective
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word Frequency
gingerbread in American English
(ˈdʒɪndʒərˌbred)
noun
1.
a type of cake flavored with ginger and molasses
3.
elaborate, gaudy, or superfluous architectural ornamentation
a series of gables embellished with gingerbread
Most material © 2005, 1997, 1991 by Penguin Random House LLC. Modified entries © 2019
by Penguin Random House LLC and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Derived forms
gingerbready adjective
Word origin
[1250–1300; ME gingebreed (influenced by breed bread), var. of gingebrad, -brat ginger paste ‹ OF gingembras, -brat preserved ginger ‹ ML *gingi(m)brātum a medicinal preparation (neut. ptp.), deriv. of L gingiber ginger]Examples of 'gingerbread' in a sentence
gingerbread
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Collins, or its parent company HarperCollins.
We welcome feedback: report an example sentence to the Collins team. Read more…
More idioms containing
gingerbread
Trends of
gingerbread
View usage for:
Source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Browse alphabetically
gingerbread
Related terms of
gingerbread
Source
Definition of gingerbread from the Collins English Dictionary
Read about the team of authors behind Collins Dictionaries.
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
snare drum
harp
xylophone
glockenspiel
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
grand piano
flute
tuba
French horn
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
trombone
xylophone
accordion
acoustic guitar
Your score:
Word of the day
buck's fizz
Buck's Fizz is a drink made by mixing champagne or another fizzy white wine with orange juice.
Latest Word Submissions
Intellectiquette
May 06, 2024
Diaper Donny
May 06, 2024
Printerager
May 05, 2024
malinformation
May 04, 2024
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
SPORTS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
windsurfing
snooker
golf
boxing
SPORTS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
football
luge
golf
hurdles
SPORTS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
wrestling
pool
snooker
canoeing
Your score:
Learning English: Days of the week
Learn how to discuss what happens on different days of the week, whether you want to make plans for the day or talk about weekly routines.
Read more
Learning English: Going shopping
Discover some useful English expressions to use while you're out at the shops in this week's Learning English blog.
Read more
Sting-Nettle Day
We're taking a closer look at the intriguing expressions and customs that have grown up around one of the most versatile plants out there - the stinging nettle.
Read more
Learning English: Saying goodbye
Learn informal ways to say goodbye in British English - from 'Goodbye' to 'See ya!' with examples and tips for everyday use.
Read more
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more