Cream
/kriːm/
Definitions
4 meaningsThe fatty part of milk, often used in cooking and desserts.
/kriːm/
A thick, yellowish-white liquid obtained from milk, containing the fat content.
I love to put cream in my coffee.
💡 Simply: Cream is the yummy, thick part of milk that makes things like ice cream and whipped cream extra delicious. Think of it like the 'best' part of the milk, full of flavor!
👶 For kids: Cream is the yummy, thick stuff that comes from milk. It's often used to make ice cream and other sweet treats.
More Examples
This cake is topped with a generous layer of whipped cream.
The chef used heavy cream to make the sauce.
She made fresh strawberry shortcake with homemade cream.
How It's Used
"She added a dollop of cream to her coffee."
"The farm produces high-quality cream."
A thick, soft substance used on the skin for cosmetic or medicinal purposes.
/kriːm/
A cosmetic or medicinal preparation in the form of a thick liquid or soft solid.
Use this face cream every morning and night.
💡 Simply: Cream is also a smooth lotion you put on your skin to make it feel better. Think of a sun cream for protecting your skin or a face cream to make it smooth.
👶 For kids: Cream can also be a soft stuff you put on your skin to make it feel good and healthy.
More Examples
The dermatologist recommended a medicated cream for her eczema.
She applied a soothing cream to her sunburn.
This cream is excellent for dry skin.
How It's Used
"She applied hand cream to soothe her dry skin."
"The doctor prescribed a cream for the rash."
To beat or mix a food item, like butter and sugar, until it has a smooth, creamy consistency.
/kriːm/
To mix or beat (a food) into a creamy consistency.
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
💡 Simply: When you 'cream' something, like butter and sugar, you mix them really well until they get all smooth and fluffy. It's like making them into cream!
👶 For kids: To cream something means to mix it very well until it's smooth and fluffy, just like cream.
More Examples
She creamed the ingredients together for several minutes.
Make sure to cream the butter well before adding the eggs.
The recipe instructed to cream the shortening with the sugar.
How It's Used
"Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy."
The best or finest part of something.
/kriːm/
The best part of something.
She was considered the cream of the crop in her field.
💡 Simply: When something is the 'cream' of the situation, it means it's the best part – the most exciting, most important, or most excellent!
👶 For kids: The 'cream' is the very best, most amazing part of something!
More Examples
The cream of the elite will be at the gala.
The cream of the industry gathered for the conference.
The cream of the local talent was showcased at the event.
How It's Used
"The cream of the crop are invited."
Idioms & expressions
cream of the crop
The best of a particular group or class.
"The cream of the crop of students were invited to the special program."
From Old French cresme, from Vulgar Latin *cras(s)ima, alteration of Latin crāssus ('thick, fat').
The use of 'cream' to refer to the fatty part of milk dates back to the Middle Ages. Its figurative use for the 'best part' is also well-established.
Memory tip
Imagine the rich, yellowish color and smooth texture of a spoonful of cream.
Word Origin
"fat, the best part"