: preparing or serving food that can be cooked quickly to a customer's order
a short-order cook

Examples of short-order 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.
Play short-order cook, throw swords, pilfer donuts from a dragon’s lair, and more in this raucous party game. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025 Guests crowd around the horseshoe-shape counter to watch short-order cooks flip pancakes, crack eggs, and work the sizzling griddle just feet away. Lauren Dana Ellman, Midwest Living, 31 May 2026 Hayes, whose father was a short-order cook, channeled his creativity to the plate long before the page or stage. Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026 The bakery-café chain gets top ratings for delivery drivers and short-order cooks, among other jobs. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for short-order

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of short-order was in 1900

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Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

short-order

adjective
ˌshȯrt-ˌȯrd-ər
: preparing or serving food that can be cooked quickly when a customer orders it
a short-order cook
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