Oven
UK /["/ˈʌvn/"]/US /["/ˈʌvn/"]/
Definition
the part of a cooker that is like a box with a door on the front, in which food is cooked or heated
In simple words: A kitchen appliance used for cooking food with heat.
Examples
- Take the cake out of the oven.
- Bake in a **preheated oven** for 15–20 minutes.
- a gas/an electric oven
- a cool/hot/moderate oven
- Open a window, it's **like an oven** in here!
- Use **oven mitts** to move hot food.
- Bake them in a warm oven until risen and golden brown.
- Preheat the oven to 190°C.
- Tandoori food is cooked in a clay oven.
Usage notes
Commonly used in households and professional kitchens. Avoid in very formal writing, where 'thermal cooking device' may be preferred.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of 'oven' as the place where food goes in and comes out hot like an 'oven-baked' dish.
Collocations
- electric
- gas
- microwave
- turn on
- heat
- preheat
- heat
- heat up
- cool
- dish
- glove
- mitt
- in an/the oven
Synonyms
- cooker
- heat source
- roaster
Antonyms
- freezer
- cold
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'oven' with 'stove', which refers to the top cooking surface.
- Using 'oven' to refer to a microwave, which is a different appliance.