B1verb 1K

Fry

UK /["/fraɪ/","/fraɪz/","/fraɪd/","/ˈfraɪɪŋ/"]/ US /["/fraɪ/","/fraɪz/","/fraɪd/","/ˈfraɪɪŋ/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

to cook something in hot fat or oil; to be cooked in hot fat or oil

Listen to definition

In simple words: To cook food in hot oil until it's crispy.

Examples

• fried fish
• We had fried chicken for dinner.
• the smell of bacon frying
• Fry the onions gently in oil.
• You'll fry on the beach if you're not careful.

Usage notes

Use 'fry' when talking about cooking in oil. It’s commonly used in informal and everyday contexts. Avoid in very formal culinary texts.

Grammar pattern

fry + object

Memory hint

Think of the sound 'fry' like a sizzling sound of food in hot oil.

Collocations

• gently
• lightly
• in

Synonyms

• sauté
• sear
• pan-fry
• deep-fry
• cook

Antonyms

• boil
• steam

Common mistakes

• Confusing 'fry' with 'bake' — frying is in oil, baking is in the oven.
• Using 'fry' without an object — it should always be something you are frying.
• Incorrect verb forms — forgetting the past tense 'fried'.