cooking - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
cooking Word Meanings
- the act of preparing food by heating
- food that has been prepared by cooking
- informal: something being planned or developed, or a situation being shaped (as in 'the plot is cooking' or idioms like 'cooking the books')
cooking Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
cooking Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈkʊk.ɪŋ/
US
/ˈkʊk.ɪŋ/
cooking Word Etymology
(a) Prefix none; root cook; suffix ing. (b) Old English cocian, from Proto-Germanic; cognates include Dutch koken and German kochen. (c) Memory image: in a warm kitchen, a chef stirs a pot as steam curls into the letters cook.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Cooking is the act of preparing food by heating, but in everyday English the word can function as a noun as well as a verb form. The act itself is described with the gerund cooking, as in 'cooking dinner', while the finished or prepared food can be referred to as 'the cooking' in some contexts. Idioms also extend the sense, for example 'the plot is cooking' to mean something is developing, or 'cooking the books' to describe fraud. Learners should note the difference between cook (the verb) and cooking (the activity or noun), and pay attention to common collocations like 'cooking class', 'cooking show', or 'cooking dinner'.
Usage Reminders
- • Cooking is a gerund/noun, not a bare verb form like 'to cook'.
- • Use 'is cooking' for ongoing actions and 'cooks' for habitual actions.
- • 'the cooking' can mean either the act or the food, depending on context.
- • Be aware of idioms: 'cooking the books' is about fraud, not food.
- • Learn common collocations: cooking dinner, cooking oil, cooking class.
Common Misconceptions
- Cooking is the same as cook; cook is the verb, cooking is the activity or noun.
- cooked is the past participle; do not use cooked where you mean cooking the act.
- 'cooking the books' is about fraud, not a literal kitchen activity.
- The phrase 'the cooking' always refers to food; context decides.
- Assuming every use of 'cooking' is literal food preparation.
Thinking Differences
In English, cooking spans practical kitchen activity and many idioms; learners should distinguish whether it means the act, the food, or a metaphor, and avoid translating idioms literally.
Learning Tips
- Practice the noun vs verb distinction with examples
- Learn common collocations like cooking dinner, cooking oil, cooking class
- Differentiate present continuous (is cooking) from simple present (cooks)
- Study idioms in context, not by literal translation
- Create flashcards for 'the cooking' as both process and food
- Read recipes and listen to cooking shows to see natural usage
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'cooking' mean?
A.Preparation of food
B.Study of rocks
C.Building a house
D.Playing a game
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'cooking' correctly?
A.The chef is cooking a delicious meal.
B.I enjoy cooking books for fun.
C.He is cooking up some new dance moves.
D.She is cooking the final exam paper.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'cooking'?
A.Eating
B.Swimming
C.Baking
D.Running
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'cooking'?
A.Painting
B.Singing
C.Cleaning
D.Studying
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario involving 'cooking'?
A.Driving a car
B.Preparing a meal
C.Teaching a class
D.Doing laundry
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App