What does kippering mean?
Kippering names both a preservation technique and the act of applying it. Herring are split, salted, and usually smoked so that they keep longer and acquire a firm texture and distinctive smoky flavor. The resulting fish is called a kipper. Kippering developed as a practical method for preserving catches that could not be sold or eaten immediately, and it became especially associated with British and northern European fishing communities. Although the process has largely been superseded by refrigeration and modern packaging, traditional kippering continues as a recognized craft and cooking method. The word is also used more broadly in phrases such as “kippering process,” while “kipper” is the more usual noun for the finished fish.
The process or practice of splitting, salting, and usually smoking herring to preserve it.
"The old warehouse was used for the kippering of herring."
Often used as a mass noun; plural kipperings is uncommon but is used for separate instances or acts of the process.
To prepare herring by splitting, salting, and usually smoking it.
"They kipper the herring over oak chips and smoke it for several days."
The past tense and past participle are kippered; the present participle is kippering.
Usually uncountable when referring to the technique as a whole; the plural is uncommon and may distinguish separate acts or instances.
"The smokehouse was known for its kipperings of local herring."
Kippering turns a common herring into a preserved, richly flavored food through a technique that began as a practical way to keep fish from spoiling.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kippering come from?
The word developed from Dutch: kip meant “chicken,” and the Dutch phrase for the preparation was kippen, originally referring to splitting or gutting fish; haring meant “herring.” English borrowed the method and its name during the period when Dutch maritime trade and fish-curing practices strongly influenced English food terminology. The association with smoked herring later became the word's established meaning.
Related word forms
How kippering is actually used
The word is especially associated with British and northern European fish-curing traditions but is also used in North America. It normally refers specifically to herring rather than to fish in general.
Easily confused with kippering
A kipper is the prepared herring itself, whereas kippering is the process of splitting, salting, and usually smoking it.