Vocabulary Words Every Home Economics Teacher Should Know

Cook

Definition: To prepare food using heat.

• She loves to cook pasta.
• He is cooking dinner for his family.
• I will cook breakfast in the morning.

Cook in a sentence

Bake

Definition: To cook food by dry heat in an oven.

• I love to bake cookies on the weekends.
• She plans to bake a cake for the party.
• We will bake bread together in class.

Bake in a sentence

Meal

Definition: An occasion when food is eaten; breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

• We had a big meal for Thanksgiving.
• She enjoys cooking a meal for her family.
• He likes to share a meal with friends.

Meal in a sentence

Recipe

Definition: A set of instructions for preparing a dish.

• I found a new recipe for cookies.
• She followed the recipe to make dinner.
• He loves to share his favorite recipe with friends.

Recipe in a sentence

Kitchen

Definition: A room where food is prepared and cooked.

• My mom spends a lot of time in the kitchen.
• The kitchen is stocked with all the necessary utensils.
• They love to cook together in the kitchen.

Kitchen in a sentence

Food

Definition: Any substance that can be eaten.

• I love Italian food.
• Healthy food is important for our bodies.
• They prepared a lot of food for the party.

Food in a sentence

Plate

Definition: A flat dish used for serving food.

• I put my dinner on a blue plate.
• The plate was filled with delicious pasta.
• She set the table with matching plates.

Plate in a sentence

Table

Definition: A piece of furniture with a flat surface used for eating or working.

• We set the table for dinner.
• He wrote his homework on the table.
• The table is made of wood and looks nice.

Table in a sentence

Eat

Definition: To take food into the body through the mouth.

• I like to eat apples.
• She eats breakfast every morning.
• We will eat lunch at noon.

Eat in a sentence

Drink

Definition: A liquid that can be consumed; to take in liquid through the mouth.

• I like to drink juice in the morning.
• Please drink water to stay hydrated.
• He ordered a drink at the café.

Drink in a sentence

Fruit

Definition: The sweet and fleshy part of a plant that contains seeds.

• Apples and bananas are my favorite fruits.
• Eating fruit is good for your health.
• She made a fruit salad for lunch.

Fruit in a sentence

Vegetable

Definition: A plant or part of a plant used as food, typically eaten as part of a meal.

• Carrots are my favorite vegetable.
• She eats a lot of vegetable to stay healthy.
• The salad was filled with fresh vegetables.

Vegetable in a sentence

Knife

Definition: A tool with a sharp blade used for cutting.

• She used a knife to slice the vegetables.
• Be careful when handling a knife in the kitchen.
• Understanding how to use a knife safely is crucial for cooking.

Knife in a sentence

Fork

Definition: A utensil with prongs used for eating or serving food.

• Please use a fork to eat your salad.
• He dropped his fork on the floor.
• She prefers a fork over a spoon for pasta.

Fork in a sentence

Spoon

Definition: A utensil used for eating, typically with a round bowl.

• I used a spoon to eat my soup.
• Please pass me the spoon for the dessert.
• We need a spoon to stir the hot chocolate.

Spoon in a sentence

Dish

Definition: A specific food item prepared and served; also refers to the container for serving food.

• She made a delicious dish for dinner.
• The restaurant is famous for its pasta dish.
• He washed the dish after dinner.

Dish in a sentence

Boil

Definition: To heat a liquid until it bubbles and turns to vapor.

• You need to boil water before adding pasta.
• The kettle will boil in a few minutes.
• Make sure to boil the eggs for ten minutes.

Boil in a sentence

Fry

Definition: To cook food in hot oil or fat.

• She likes to fry potatoes for dinner.
• He learned how to fry an egg perfectly.
• They will fry the fish until it's golden brown.

Fry in a sentence

Grill

Definition: a cooking method using direct heat

• He likes to grill burgers during the summer.
• They grilled vegetables for the barbecue.
• Understanding grill techniques enhances cooking skills.

Grill in a sentence

Serve

Definition: To provide food or help to someone.

• The waiter will serve us soon.
• She loves to serve her guests at dinner.
• He will serve as a volunteer at the event.

Serve in a sentence

Taste

Definition: The sense used to identify flavors; a person's preference.

• I like to taste different foods from around the world.
• She has a good taste in music.
• The taste of chocolate is delicious.

Taste in a sentence

Sweet

Definition: Having a sugary taste; also means kind or gentle.

• The candy is very sweet and delicious.
• She has a sweet personality that everyone loves.
• He gave her a sweet compliment.

Sweet in a sentence

Sour

Definition: Having a sharp, acidic taste; often used for foods.

• The milk went sour because it was left out.
• She loves sour candy that makes her pucker.
• Sour lemons are used to make lemonade.

Sour in a sentence

Salt

Definition: A white substance used to flavor food; a mineral.

• I like to add salt to my popcorn.
• Too much salt can be bad for your health.
• Salt is used to preserve food.

Salt in a sentence

Pepper

Definition: A spice made from the dried fruit of the pepper plant, often used to add flavor.

• She added pepper to the soup for extra taste.
• Bell pepper is a common vegetable in salads.
• Understanding pepper can enhance cooking skills.

Pepper in a sentence

Snack

Definition: A small amount of food eaten between meals.

• I like to have a snack after school.
• She packed a healthy snack for the trip.
• Popcorn is a popular snack at the movies.

Snack in a sentence

Lunch

Definition: A meal eaten in the middle of the day.

• They had sandwiches for lunch.
• She packed her lunch with fruits and snacks.
• Understanding the importance of lunch helps maintain energy.

Lunch in a sentence

Dinner

Definition: The main meal of the day, usually eaten in the evening.

• We always have dinner together as a family.
• What are you cooking for dinner tonight?
• Dinner will be served at 6 PM.

Dinner in a sentence

Breakfast

Definition: The first meal of the day, usually eaten in the morning.

• I eat cereal for breakfast every day.
• Breakfast is important for a good start.
• What do you like to have for breakfast?

Breakfast in a sentence

Prepare

Definition: To make ready for a specific purpose; to get things ready.

• I will prepare dinner for my family tonight.
• She needs to prepare for her presentation.
• We should prepare our materials before the project starts.

Prepare in a sentence

Clean

Definition: To make something free of dirt or mess.

• I need to clean my room before my friends come.
• She will clean the dishes after dinner.
• We should clean up the classroom together.

Clean in a sentence

Cooking

Definition: The act of preparing food by heating it.

• She loves cooking pasta for dinner.
• Cooking can be a fun activity with friends.
• He learned cooking from his grandmother.

Cooking in a sentence

Ingredient

Definition: A component or element used in a mixture, especially in cooking.

• Flour is an essential ingredient in bread.
• She checked the ingredient list before cooking.
• They added each ingredient carefully to the recipe.

Ingredient in a sentence

Healthy

Definition: Beneficial to health; not harmful.

• Eating vegetables is a healthy choice.
• It's important to stay active and healthy.
• She follows a healthy diet every day.

Healthy in a sentence

Pot

Definition: a container used for cooking or holding plants

• She boiled water in a pot for pasta.
• He planted flowers in a pot.
• Understanding pots is important for gardening and cooking.

Pot in a sentence

Pan

Definition: A shallow cooking vessel, often with a handle; to cook food in such a vessel.

• She used a pan to fry the eggs.
• He bought a new pan for making pancakes.
• They sautéed vegetables in a large pan.

Pan in a sentence

Heat

Definition: The quality of being hot; energy that causes temperature to rise.

• The heat from the sun warmed the ground.
• She turned on the heat because it was cold.
• Understanding heat is important in science and daily life.

Heat in a sentence

Mix

Definition: To combine two or more things.

• She mixed blue and yellow to make green.
• Mix the flour and sugar together.
• He mixed juice with water.

Mix in a sentence

Stir

Definition: To mix or move something gently.

• Please stir the soup while it cooks.
• He used a spoon to stir the ingredients together.
• Stir the paint before using it for the project.

Stir in a sentence

Chop

Definition: To cut something into smaller pieces.

• He will chop the vegetables for the salad.
• She learned how to chop onions safely.
• Chop the wood into small logs for the fire.

Chop in a sentence

Slice

Definition: to cut something into thin pieces

• She used a knife to slice the bread.
• He asked her to slice the cake for the party.
• The chef demonstrated how to slice vegetables properly.

Slice in a sentence

Oven

Definition: a kitchen appliance used for baking or cooking food

• She baked cookies in the oven.
• The oven needs to be preheated before use.
• Understanding ovens helps in cooking.

Oven in a sentence

Microwave

Definition: An appliance used for cooking or heating food quickly.

• We use the microwave to heat leftovers.
• She cooked popcorn in the microwave.
• The microwave is a handy kitchen tool.

Microwave in a sentence

Flavor

Definition: The distinctive taste of a food or drink; also refers to a characteristic quality.

• I love the flavor of chocolate ice cream.
• The dish has a spicy flavor that I enjoy.
• She prefers a mild flavor in her meals.

Flavor in a sentence

Salty

Definition: Having a taste of salt; containing a lot of salt.

• The chips were too salty for my taste.
• She added salty seasoning to the soup.
• Salty snacks are popular at parties.

Salty in a sentence

Spicy

Definition: Having a strong flavor due to the presence of spices; hot in taste.

• The curry was too spicy for me.
• She likes spicy food with a lot of flavor.
• He added spicy peppers to the dish for extra heat.

Spicy in a sentence

Nutrition

Definition: The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health.

• Good nutrition is important for growing children.
• She studies nutrition to help others eat better.
• Nutrition labels help us make healthy choices.

Nutrition in a sentence

Ingredients

Definition: The components used to make something, especially food.

• The recipe lists all the ingredients needed.
• She gathered the ingredients for the salad.
• Fresh ingredients make meals taste better.

Baking

Definition: the process of cooking food using dry heat

• She enjoys baking cookies on weekends.
• Baking bread takes time but is rewarding.
• They learned baking skills in their cooking class.

Baking in a sentence

Hygiene

Definition: The practice of keeping clean to maintain health.

• Good hygiene is important for staying healthy.
• He learned about personal hygiene in health class.
• She practices hygiene by washing her hands regularly.

Hygiene in a sentence

Equipment

Definition: Tools or devices used for a specific purpose.

• We need new equipment for the science lab.
• The gym has all the right equipment for workouts.
• She bought equipment for her photography hobby.

Equipment in a sentence

Preparation

Definition: The act of getting ready for something; the process of making plans.

• Preparation is key to a successful event.
• She spent hours on the preparation for her presentation.
• They emphasized the importance of preparation for exams.

Preparation in a sentence

Diet

Definition: The kinds of food and drink a person regularly consumes.

• She follows a healthy diet to stay fit.
• His diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables.
• They discussed the importance of a balanced diet.

Diet in a sentence

Servings

Definition: The number of portions of food; how much food is available.

• The recipe makes six servings of pasta.
• They calculated the servings needed for the party.
• Understanding servings helps in meal planning.

Technique

Definition: A way of doing something, especially in a skillful manner.

• He learned a new technique for playing the guitar.
• The artist used a unique technique for her painting.
• We practiced the technique repeatedly to improve.

Technique in a sentence

Presentation

Definition: A display of information or ideas, often given to an audience.

• I prepared a presentation for my science project.
• Her presentation on wildlife was informative.
• We will have a presentation in class next week.

Presentation in a sentence

Table Setting

Definition: The arrangement of dishes, utensils, and decorations on a table for a meal.

• She prepared a lovely table setting for dinner.
• A formal table setting requires specific placements.
• Understanding table setting is important for hosting.

Utensils

Definition: Tools used for eating, cooking, or serving food.

• She washed the utensils after dinner.
• He bought new utensils for his kitchen.
• The restaurant provided clean utensils for all guests.

Portion

Definition: a part or share of something

• She took a small portion of the cake.
• The portion sizes in restaurants are often large.
• He divided the pizza into equal portions.

Portion in a sentence

Seasoning

Definition: substances added to food to enhance flavor

• Using the right seasoning can improve a dish.
• He learned about seasoning in his cooking class.
• Understanding seasoning is key to great cooking.

Seasoning in a sentence

Grocery

Definition: A store that sells food and other household items.

• I need to go to the grocery store today.
• She bought fruits and vegetables at the grocery.
• The grocery has a sale on milk this week.

Grocery in a sentence

Balance

Definition: A state of stability; an equal distribution of weight or amount.

• It's important to maintain a balance between work and play.
• She tries to balance her studies and hobbies.
• The scale showed a perfect balance.

Balance in a sentence

Budget

Definition: A plan for managing money; an estimate of income and expenses.

• I need to create a budget for my monthly spending.
• We saved money by sticking to our budget.
• The school has a budget for supplies and activities.

Budget in a sentence

Cooking Methods

Definition: Techniques used to prepare food.

• Different cooking methods can change food flavor.
• She explored various cooking methods in her culinary class.
• Knowing cooking methods is essential for good recipes.

Culture

Definition: The ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society.

• In our class, we learn about different cultures around the world.
• Food is a big part of culture; every country has its own special dishes.
• Celebrating festivals is an important part of culture in many communities.

Culture in a sentence

Family

Definition: A group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

• Her family gathered for a reunion every summer.
• He values spending time with his family.
• Understanding family dynamics is essential for social relationships.

Family in a sentence

Teamwork

Definition: The collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal.

• Teamwork is essential for successful projects.
• They emphasized the importance of teamwork in sports.
• Good teamwork improves group performance.

Teamwork in a sentence

Skills

Definition: The abilities or expertise needed to perform tasks.

• He has many skills, including cooking and painting.
• We learn new skills in school every day.
• Her skills in math helped her win the competition.

Planning

Definition: The process of making decisions about future activities or projects; organizing.

• Effective planning helps ensure success in projects.
• She enjoys planning events for her friends.
• They spent time planning their vacation itinerary.

Planning in a sentence

Food Safety

Definition: Practices that ensure food is safe to eat and free from harmful substances.

• Food safety is important to prevent foodborne illnesses.
• He learned about food safety during his cooking class.
• Understanding food safety helps protect consumers.

Budgeting

Definition: The process of planning how to spend money.

• They are budgeting for their school project.
• Budgeting helps manage expenses effectively.
• He learned about budgeting in his economics class.

Budgeting in a sentence

Meal Planning

Definition: The process of preparing and organizing meals in advance.

• Meal planning helps save time during the week.
• She enjoys meal planning to eat healthier.
• We started meal planning to reduce food waste.

Sanitation

Definition: the practice of keeping places clean and healthy

• Sanitation is essential for public health.
• They improved sanitation in the community.
• Good sanitation helps prevent disease.

Sanitation in a sentence

Sustainability

Definition: The ability to be maintained or continued over the long term.

• We should focus on sustainability to protect the environment.
• Sustainability is important for future generations.
• She advocates for sustainability in her community.

Sustainability in a sentence

Household Management

Definition: The organization and administration of a home.

• Good household management helps keep everything running smoothly.
• She learned about household management in her class.
• Effective household management includes budgeting and cleaning.

Sewing

Definition: The activity of stitching fabrics together.

• She enjoys sewing her own clothes.
• Sewing can be a relaxing hobby.
• He learned sewing skills in home economics class.

Sewing in a sentence

Textiles

Definition: Fabrics or cloth produced by weaving or knitting.

• She learned about different textiles in fashion class.
• Textiles are important in the clothing industry.
• The store sells a variety of textiles for crafting.

Cooking Techniques

Definition: methods used to prepare food

• He learned various cooking techniques in class.
• Different cooking techniques can change the flavor.
• She practiced cooking techniques for perfect results.

Recipes

Definition: Instructions for preparing food or drinks.

• We found some easy recipes in the magazine.
• She shared her best recipes with her friends.
• The cookbook contains over 100 delicious recipes.

Portion Control

Definition: The practice of managing the size of servings to promote healthy eating.

• She practiced portion control to maintain her diet.
• Portion control is important for weight management.
• He learned about portion control in his nutrition class.

Time Management

Definition: The ability to use one's time effectively to accomplish goals.

• Good time management helps reduce stress and improve productivity.
• He practices time management by prioritizing tasks.
• Understanding time management is important for success in school.

Organization

Definition: A group of people working together for a purpose.

• The organization helps people in need.
• She volunteers for a charity organization.
• The organization focuses on education and health.

Organization in a sentence

Nutrition Labels

Definition: Labels found on food packaging that provide information about the nutritional content; help consumers make informed choices.

• Reading nutrition labels can help you choose healthier foods.
• She checked the nutrition labels before buying snacks.
• Nutrition labels include information on calories, fats, and sugars.

Preservation

Definition: The act of keeping something in its original state.

• Preservation of wildlife is important.
• The museum focuses on the preservation of history.
• They work on the preservation of natural habitats.

Preservation in a sentence

Etiquette

Definition: The accepted behavior in social situations.

• Good etiquette is important at the dinner table.
• She learned about etiquette before the formal event.
• Knowing etiquette can help in many situations.

Etiquette in a sentence

Consumerism

Definition: The belief that increasing consumption of goods is beneficial to the economy.

• Consumerism drives many advertising strategies.
• She learned about the impact of consumerism on society.
• Understanding consumerism is important in economics.

Consumerism in a sentence

Resources

Definition: Materials or supplies that can be used.

• The library has many resources for students.
• We need to manage our resources wisely.
• Natural resources are important for our survival.

Inventory

Definition: A list of items in stock or available.

• The store keeps an inventory of all products.
• We need to check the inventory before ordering more.
• His job is to manage the inventory of supplies.

Inventory in a sentence

Appliances

Definition: Machines or devices used for household tasks.

• They bought new kitchen appliances for the home.
• Her favorite appliance is the blender for making smoothies.
• The store sells various appliances like microwaves and refrigerators.

Maintenance

Definition: the process of keeping something in good condition

• Regular maintenance of the car is necessary.
• The maintenance team fixed the broken equipment.
• They schedule maintenance for the computers often.

Maintenance in a sentence

Gardening

Definition: The activity of growing and taking care of plants and flowers.

• Gardening is a relaxing hobby for many people.
• She enjoys gardening in her backyard.
• Understanding gardening techniques can improve plant health.

Gardening in a sentence

Nutrition Education

Definition: Teaching individuals about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits.

• Nutrition education is key to preventing obesity.
• She participated in nutrition education programs.
• Schools focus on nutrition education for students.

Cultural Diversity

Definition: The existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society.

• Cultural diversity enriches communities and promotes understanding.
• She values cultural diversity in her school.
• Cultural diversity can lead to innovative ideas.

Family Dynamics

Definition: the patterns of interactions within a family

• Family dynamics can change as children grow.
• They discussed family dynamics in their counseling session.
• Understanding family dynamics is important for healthy relationships.

Wellness

Definition: The state of being in good health; overall well-being.

• She practices yoga for her wellness.
• Wellness is important for a happy life.
• They promote wellness through healthy eating.

Wellness in a sentence

Culinary

Definition: related to cooking or kitchens

• She attended culinary school to learn cooking.
• His culinary skills impress everyone at dinner.
• They explored culinary traditions from different cultures.

Culinary in a sentence

Ergonomics

Definition: The study of people's efficiency in their working environment.

• Ergonomics helps design comfortable workspaces.
• She learned about ergonomics to improve her desk setup.
• Proper ergonomics can prevent injuries at work.

Ergonomics in a sentence

Fermentation

Definition: The process of converting sugar into alcohol or acid using microorganisms.

• Fermentation is used in making bread and yogurt.
• She learned about fermentation in her science class.
• Understanding fermentation helps in food production.

Fermentation in a sentence

Entrepreneurship

Definition: the process of starting and running a new business

• Entrepreneurship encourages creativity and problem-solving.
• Many young people are interested in entrepreneurship today.
• Understanding entrepreneurship can inspire new business ideas.

Domesticity

Definition: The quality of being domestic or related to home life; home-centered activities.

• She enjoys the domesticity of cooking with her family.
• Domesticity can create a sense of comfort.
• Understanding domesticity helps in appreciating home life.

Domesticity in a sentence

Craftsmanship

Definition: the skill involved in making something by hand

• The craftsmanship of the furniture was excellent.
• She admired the craftsmanship of the handmade jewelry.
• The craftsmanship in the painting was outstanding.

Craftsmanship in a sentence

Hospitality

Definition: The friendly and generous reception of guests or strangers.

• The hotel is known for its excellent hospitality.
• She has a career in the hospitality industry.
• Hospitality is important in many cultures.

Hospitality in a sentence

Procurement

Definition: The process of acquiring goods or services, often for business purposes.

• They handle procurement for the company.
• Effective procurement can save money.
• She learned about procurement strategies in class.

Procurement in a sentence

Aesthetics

Definition: The principles of beauty and artistic taste.

• The aesthetics of the room were very modern.
• She has a keen sense of aesthetics in her work.
• Good aesthetics can enhance any design project.

Aesthetics in a sentence

Textile

Definition: A type of cloth or fabric used in making things.

• The factory produces various textile products.
• She studies textile design in college.
• The textile industry is important for the economy.

Textile in a sentence

Pedagogy

Definition: The method and practice of teaching, especially in education.

• Effective pedagogy can enhance student learning outcomes.
• She focused on innovative pedagogy in her teaching.
• Understanding pedagogy is essential for educators.

Pedagogy in a sentence

Meal-planning

Definition: Another term for meal planning; organizing meals ahead of time.

• They discussed meal-planning strategies for busy weeks.
• Meal-planning can help you stick to a diet.
• She uses apps for meal-planning ideas and recipes.

Food-safety

Definition: practices to keep food safe to eat

• Food-safety is important to prevent illness.
• They learned about food-safety measures in class.
• Understanding food-safety helps protect consumers.

Household-management

Definition: The practice of organizing and maintaining a home.

• Household-management skills are essential for families.
• He took a course in household-management.
• Understanding household-management can save time and money.

Resourcefulness

Definition: The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

• Her resourcefulness helped them solve the problem.
• Being resourcefulness is important in emergencies.
• He showed great resourcefulness when fixing the car.

Resourcefulness in a sentence