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Overcook Meaning in English

word

ˌoʊvɝˈkʊk
oh-ver-KOOK
ˌəʊvəkˈʊk
oh-vuh-KOOK

Definition

To cook food for too long, so that it becomes dry, hard, or loses its best taste and texture.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used for food that becomes worse when cooked too long, like vegetables, meat, or pasta. Common mistake: confusing 'overcook' (too much cooking) with 'burn' (cooking until blackened). 'Overcooked' is the adjective form.

Example Sentences

Be careful not to overcook the chicken.

basic

If you overcook pasta, it gets mushy.

basic

Try not to overcook the vegetables.

basic

I always overcook steak because I'm afraid of it being raw.

natural

You can easily overcook fish if you’re not paying attention.

natural

Nobody likes overcooked eggs, so set a timer.

natural