paring

noun

par·​ing ˈper-iŋ How to pronounce paring (audio)
1
: the act of cutting away an edge or surface
2
: something pared off
apple parings

Examples of paring in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Using sharp paring knife, cut four 1 1/2-inch long slits in top of dough (think of a clock for slit placement at 12,3,6,9 positions). Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025 That's going to take some type of outward expansion module or paring back of standard features. New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025 Kennedy tangled with lawmakers on everything from COVID-19, to his paring-back of access to vaccines and his claims about vaccine injuries. Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 4 Sep. 2025 To test for doneness, insert a metal cake tester or thin paring knife into the middle of a fillet to see if the fish is warmed all the way through. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for paring

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of paring was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Paring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paring. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

paring

noun
par·​ing
ˈpa(ə)r-iŋ,
ˈpe(ə)r-
1
: the act of cutting away an edge or surface
2
: something pared off

More from Merriam-Webster on paring

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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