A2noun2K

Biscuit

UK /["/ˈbɪskɪt/"]/US /["/ˈbɪskɪt/"]/

Definition

a small flat dry cake for one person, usually sweet, and baked until hard

In simple words: A small, soft bread often eaten with meals or as a snack.

Examples

  • a packet/tin of chocolate biscuits
  • a selection of cheese biscuits
  • The cake has a biscuit base *(= one made from crushed biscuits)*.
  • We were offered a cup of tea and some biscuits.
  • Frank always dunks his biscuits in his tea.
  • He brushed the biscuit crumbs from his jacket.
  • He was cutting biscuits out and putting them on a baking tray.
  • a packet of coconut biscuits
  • You've done some stupid things before, but this really takes the biscuit!

Usage notes

In American English, 'biscuit' refers to a flaky baked good often served with gravy or as a side at breakfast. In British English, it usually refers to a sweet cookie. Be careful using the term depending on your audience.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'bis' for two and 'cuit' like 'cute'—imagine two cute biscuits on a plate.

Collocations

  • dry
  • hard
  • flaky
  • box
  • packet
  • tin
  • eat
  • have
  • nibble
  • barrel
  • tin
  • crumbs
  • cheese and biscuits
  • biscuits and gravy

Synonyms

  • cookie
  • scone
  • roll
  • baked good

Antonyms

  • health food
  • vegetable
  • fruit
  • vegetarian meal

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up British and American meanings of 'biscuit'.
  • Using 'biscuit' to refer to sweet baked goods across all English-speaking countries.
  • Mispronouncing 'biscuit' as 'biscut'.