gingerbread

noun

gin·​ger·​bread ˈjin-jər-ˌbred How to pronounce gingerbread (audio)
Synonyms of gingerbreadnext
1
: a cake whose ingredients include molasses and ginger
2
[from the fancy shapes and gilding formerly often applied to gingerbread] : lavish or superfluous ornament especially in architecture
gingerbread adjective
gingerbreaded
ˈjin-jər-ˌbre-dəd How to pronounce gingerbread (audio)
adjective
gingerbready
ˈjin-jər-ˌbre-dē How to pronounce gingerbread (audio)
adjective

Examples of gingerbread in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even years later, on hot days, the North End smelled like a gingerbread house. — Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 18 May 2026 Decorating gingerbread houses is a classic winter pastime, and now, wildlife lovers are updating the trend for spring. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2026 Mary Ball Washington served her fine gingerbread to important guests including the Marquis de Lafayette. — Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 Trimmed in gingerbread and cloaked in velvet and maximalist wallpaper, the 45-room auberge often draws visitors for special occasions. — Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gingerbread

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gingerbread was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing gingerbread

Rhymes for gingerbread

See All Rhymes for gingerbread

Browse Nearby Words

ginger beer
gingerbread
gingerbread man
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gingerbread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gingerbread. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gingerbread

noun
gin·​ger·​bread ˈjin-jər-ˌbred How to pronounce gingerbread (audio)
1
: a cake made with molasses and flavored with ginger
2
: showy ornamentation especially in architecture
gingerbread adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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