toast
toast Lexical Profile
toast Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Sliced bread browned on both sides by exposure to radiant heat.
"She started her morning with a cup of coffee and two slices of buttered toast."
A tribute or expression of goodwill, typically marked by a gathering of people raising their glasses and drinking together.
"The best man stood up to propose a heartfelt toast to the newly married couple."
A person who is highly admired, celebrated, or praised by a particular community or during a specific event.
"After winning the championship, the young athlete became the toast of the town."
• verb
To brown and crisp (food, especially bread or cheese) by exposing it to radiant heat.
"He toasted the bagel until it was golden and perfectly crunchy on the edges."
To drink to the health or in honor of (someone or something) by raising one's glass together with others.
"They poured the champagne and toasted to a prosperous new year."
To warm (oneself or a part of one's body) comfortably in front of a fire or other source of heat.
"After a long walk in the snow, we sat down to toast our frozen feet by the hearth."
Word Nuance & Usage
The noun form is strictly uncountable when referring to browned bread (e.g., 'two slices of toast'), but countable when referring to a ceremonial drink or honored person (e.g., 'proposing a toast').
• Rhymes for toast
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'toost', originating from Old French 'toster' (to roast), from Latin 'tostus' (roasted, parched). The meaning 'a drink in honor of someone' emerged in the 17th century from the custom of flavoring wine or ale with a piece of spiced, toasted bread.