Search Dictionary
Definition of shorten

shorten

/ˈʃɔːr.tən/
shor · ten
Adverb:shortly
•
Adjective:short
•
Past Simple:shortened
•
Past Participle:shortened
•
Present Participle:shortening
JUMP TO:

shorten Lexical Profile

shorten Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become shorter in physical length, duration, or extent.

Example

"The tailor agreed to shorten the sleeves of the jacket before the wedding."

2

To make pastry or dough crisp and crumbly by working butter, lard, or another fat into the flour.

Example

"Chilled butter is used to shorten the pie crust so that it remains tender and flaky."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shorten
Antonyms
View all antonyms for shorten

• Rhymes for shorten

• Nearby Words

shortcoming
shortcrust
shortcut
shorten
shortener
shortening
shortfall

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late Middle English (early 16th century) from the adjective 'short' (from Old English 'scort', meaning 'cut off' or 'having little length') combined with the verbal suffix '-en'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shorten. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shorten
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.