What does griddle mean?
A griddle is a flat cooking surface, usually made of metal, on which food such as pancakes, eggs, bacon, or sandwiches can be cooked directly over heat. Unlike a grill, which commonly has bars or an open grate, a griddle has a solid, smooth surface, allowing heat to spread evenly and helping foods brown or crisp. The word can also be used figuratively in the expression 'on the griddle,' meaning that someone is being questioned, examined, or placed under intense pressure. As a verb, 'to griddle' means to cook food on a griddle. The term is familiar in both British and American English and is especially associated with informal diner and restaurant cooking, although griddles are used in professional kitchens as well. It is also the origin of the familiar expression 'griddle cakes,' traditionally thin pancakes cooked on a griddle.
A flat, smooth cooking surface, usually of metal, used to cook food directly over heat.
"We made pancakes on the griddle in the backyard."
In figurative use, 'on the griddle' means under intense pressure or close questioning.
To cook food on a griddle.
"He griddled the bread until the cheese melted and the edges turned crisp."
The verb is relatively uncommon and is more typical of culinary and informal contexts.
The plural is used when referring to more than one griddle or cooking surface.
"The restaurant keeps two griddles running during breakfast service."
A griddle is the secret behind restaurant pancakes that are quick, evenly browned, and beautifully crisp at the edges.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does griddle come from?
The word appears in Middle English in forms such as 'gridel' and 'griddle'. A commonly cited derivation traces it to Old Norse gríldr, an old word for a flat cooking plate, and some etymologists connect that word with the root represented by English 'grind'. The precise development of the word’s cooking implement sense is less transparent than its long-established modern meaning.
Related word forms
How griddle is actually used
The noun is common in British and American English, although 'griddle' and 'grill' are sometimes used loosely for different types of cooking equipment. The verb is less frequent than the noun and is especially associated with informal or culinary writing. 'On the griddle' is a familiar figurative expression for being subjected to pressure or questioning.
Easily confused with griddle
A griddle is a flat, solid cooking surface, while a grill usually consists of bars or a grate over which food is cooked.