What does paring mean?
A paring is a thin slice or strip taken from the surface of a fruit, vegetable, or other material, such as a strip of lemon peel or a shaving of cheese. The word can also describe the act of removing such a thin layer, as in a description of careful paring. It is most often encountered in the plural form “parings,” especially when referring to small pieces trimmed away during food preparation, and in the established compound “paring knife.” As the present participle of “pare,” it describes an action of reducing or removing an outer layer. Although “paring” can suggest something modest or insignificant in size, its common culinary meanings are precise and practical.
A thin slice or strip removed from the surface of a fruit, vegetable, or other material.
"She added a paring of lemon to the tea."
The plural “parings” is especially common for small trimmings of fruit or vegetables.
The present participle of “pare,” meaning to trim, peel, or reduce by removing a thin layer.
"She was paring the potatoes while the soup simmered."
This form is commonly used in descriptions of food preparation and other acts of trimming.
The plural is especially common when referring to small pieces removed from fruit or vegetables during preparation.
"The chopped vegetables and their parings were added to the stock."
From a sharp knife to a delicate curl of lemon peel, a paring is a small piece of a larger transformation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How paring is actually used
The noun is especially common in the plural “parings” for small trimmings of fruit or vegetables. “Paring knife” is a standard compound for a small knife used for peeling or trimming.
Easily confused with paring
A paring is a thin slice or shaving, whereas a parry is an action that turns aside an attack or blow.