Oven Definition, Uses, and Examples

Meaning 1：baking appliance (Oven)

Oven 🔊

/ˈʌvən/

An oven is a kitchen appliance that uses heat to cook or bake food inside a closed space.

Oven baking golden-brown cookies in a cozy kitchen

baking appliance 🔊

➕

/ˈbeɪkɪŋ əˈplaɪəns/

A closed compartment heated for cooking or baking food, commonly found in kitchens.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'ofen', related to Proto-Germanic 'uhnaz', meaning a chamber for heating.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'O' for hot air opening, 'ven' like vent - hot air vents out of an oven.

📖 Example

Before baking the cookies, make sure to preheat the oven to the right temperature. 🔊 Before baking the cookies, make sure to preheat the oven to the right temperature.

🔗 Collocations

preheat the oven – to heat the oven before cooking

oven mitt – a padded glove for handling hot dishes

oven rack – a shelf inside the oven

🔄 Synonyms

cooker (n.) – A device for cooking food, often including an oven.

range (n.) – A stove with an oven.

toaster oven (n.) – A small electric oven used for toasting and baking.

🌱 Derivatives

ovenproof (adj.) – Resistant to the heat of an oven.

ovenware (n.) – Dishes designed for use in an oven.

ovenbird (n.) – A bird that builds a dome-shaped nest resembling an oven.

📖 Cultural Story

Ovens date back to ancient times; the word stems from Proto-Germanic 'uhnaz'. Modern electric ovens revolutionized cooking in the 20th century.