water-biscuit

A child enjoys a water-biscuit with a glass of milk.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of crisp, unsweetened biscuit: "water-biscuit" refers to a thin, hard, and often dry biscuit made from flour and water, typically without added fat or sugar. It is designed to be eaten with cheese, butter, or other savory toppings.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She served a selection of cheese with water-biscuits for the guests. (A crisp, unsweetened biscuit used as an accompaniment.)
  • He prefers a water-biscuit with his soup rather than bread. (A thin, hard biscuit eaten as a side.)

Advanced Usage

• "water-biscuit" as a base for canapés: These biscuits are often used as a neutral, sturdy base for hors d'oeuvres.
  • The caterer arranged smoked salmon on water-biscuits for the party. (The biscuits served as a crisp foundation for the topping.)

Variants and Related Words

• Biscuit (n): a small, baked, flour-based food product, which can be sweet or savory.

  • She baked a batch of chocolate biscuits for the children. (A sweet baked treat.)

• Cracker (n): a thin, crisp biscuit, often savory and similar to a water-biscuit but may include seasonings.

  • He ate cheese and crackers as a snack. (A thin, savory biscuit.)

Synonyms

• Cracker: a thin, crisp, savory biscuit.
• Hardtack: a simple, dry biscuit made from flour and water, historically used as a long-lasting food for sailors and soldiers.

Related Idioms

• "As dry as a water-biscuit": used to describe something extremely dry or uninteresting.
  • The lecture was as dry as a water-biscuit; nobody could stay awake. (The lecture was very dull and uninspiring.)

Phrasal Verbs