biscuit
UK: ˈbɪskɪt | US: ˈbɪskɪt
n. a small, flat, crisp cake made from flour, fat, and sugar, typically baked until dry and hard
n. (chiefly UK) a soft, thick bread roll, often served with gravy or as part of a meal
The word "biscuit" originates from Old French bescuit, derived from Latin bis (twice) + coctus (cooked), meaning "twice-cooked." This reflects the historical method of baking biscuits twice to remove moisture, ensuring long shelf life—a practice common in naval and military provisions. Over time, the term evolved differently in British and American English: in the UK, it refers to soft bread-like items, while in the US, it denotes crisp, sweet or savory baked goods.
She dunked her biscuit into a cup of tea.
The bakery sells freshly baked biscuits every morning.
(UK) He ordered a sausage and egg with a buttered biscuit.
(US) These buttermilk biscuits are perfect with gravy.
Sailors relied on hard biscuits during long voyages.