Fold in Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To gently combine one ingredient into another, especially in cooking or baking, using slow, careful motions to avoid losing air or changing texture.
Usage & Nuances
'Fold in' is specialized cooking vocabulary, not used in everyday conversation. It means to mix gently, often using a spatula, especially for delicate mixtures (like whipped cream or egg whites) to preserve air. Don't confuse with 'stir' (more vigorous) or 'mix in' (general).
Example Sentences
Carefully fold in the whipped cream.
basic
After beating the eggs, fold in the flour.
basic
Gently fold in the berries to avoid crushing them.
basic
"Do I just stir this in?" "No, you need to fold in the cheese so it stays fluffy."
natural
She explained how to fold in the chocolate chips without making the batter dense.
natural
Don’t fold in the nuts too early or they’ll sink to the bottom.
natural