pan

Definition

A pan is a metal container used for cooking food on a stove or in an oven. It usually has a wide, open top, and some types are shallow while others are deeper.

Usage & Nuances

A general word for cooking vessels, but in everyday English it often suggests a frying pan unless the type is named, such as 'saucepan' or 'baking pan'. Common combinations: 'frying pan', 'pan handle', 'put it in the pan'. Do not confuse it with the verb 'pan', which can mean to move a camera sideways or to criticize strongly.

Example Sentences