waffle iron
Noun: A kitchen appliance designed specifically for baking waffles. It typically consists of two hinged metal plates with a grid-like pattern that imprints onto the batter during cooking, giving the waffle its characteristic shape and texture.
The term "waffle iron" refers to the appliance itself. It is used as a countable noun. * You need to preheat the waffle iron before pouring in the batter. * She received a new waffle iron for her birthday. * The waffle iron's non-stick coating makes cleaning easy.
- My grandmother's cast-iron waffle iron makes the crispiest waffles.
- Modern electric waffle irons often have indicator lights and adjustable temperature controls.
- He forgot to grease the waffle iron, so the first waffle stuck to the plates.
- "To fire up the waffle iron": An informal phrase meaning to turn on or start using the waffle iron, often implying the beginning of making a meal.
- On Sunday mornings, he fires up the waffle iron for a big family breakfast.
- Waffle maker: A common synonym for "waffle iron." The terms are often used interchangeably.
- This waffle maker can also cook panini sandwiches.
- Waffle (noun): The food item produced by the appliance.
- Griddle: A flat cooking surface, related as another appliance for cooking breakfast foods but without the characteristic indented plates.
- Waffle maker
- Waffle baker (less common)
The word "waffle iron" has a single, specific meaning related to the kitchen appliance. It is not to be confused with the verb "to waffle," which means to be indecisive or to speak or write at length in a vague or trivial way. These are homographs (words spelled the same) with completely different origins and meanings.
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a kitchen appliance for baking waffles; the appliance usually consists of two indented metal pans hinged together so that they create a pattern on the waffle
