A1 noun Neutral #3,105 most common

cream

/kriːm/

Cream is the thick, fatty part of milk that rises to the top or is separated by a machine. It is commonly used in cooking, baking, and as a rich addition to beverages like coffee.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I usually add a little cream to my coffee to make it taste smoother.

I usually add a little cream to my coffee to make it taste smoother.

2

The dessert was elegantly finished with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

The dessert was elegantly finished with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

3

Got any cream for these strawberries? They're a bit sour.

Got any cream for these strawberries? They're a bit sour.

Word Family

Noun
cream
Verb
cream
Adverb
creamily
Adjective
creamy
Related
creamer
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Memory Tip

Think of 'cream' as the 'dream' part of the milk—it's the richest and most delicious part that rises to the top.

Quick Quiz

Would you like a little ____ in your tea?

Correct!

The correct answer is: cream

Examples

1

I usually add a little cream to my coffee to make it taste smoother.

everyday

I usually add a little cream to my coffee to make it taste smoother.

2

The dessert was elegantly finished with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

formal

The dessert was elegantly finished with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

3

Got any cream for these strawberries? They're a bit sour.

informal

Got any cream for these strawberries? They're a bit sour.

4

The experiment required the separation of cream from the raw milk sample.

academic

The experiment required the separation of cream from the raw milk sample.

5

We need to analyze the market demand for low-fat cream alternatives this quarter.

business

We need to analyze the market demand for low-fat cream alternatives this quarter.

Word Family

Noun
cream
Verb
cream
Adverb
creamily
Adjective
creamy
Related
creamer

Common Collocations

whipped cream whipped cream
sour cream sour cream
ice cream ice cream
heavy cream heavy cream
face cream face cream

Common Phrases

cream of the crop

the very best of a group

cream off

to take the best part of something

peaches and cream

a situation that is perfect or easy

Often Confused With

cream vs crème

Crème is the French spelling often used in culinary contexts to sound more sophisticated, whereas cream is the standard English word.

cream vs lotion

A cream is usually thicker and more oil-based, while a lotion is more liquid and water-based.

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Usage Notes

When referring to the food item, 'cream' is usually an uncountable noun. However, it can also refer to cosmetic products used on the skin.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often try to pluralize 'cream' as 'creams' when talking about the food; use 'some cream' or 'a carton of cream' instead.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'cream' as the 'dream' part of the milk—it's the richest and most delicious part that rises to the top.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French 'cresme', which was a blend of Late Latin 'chrisma' (anointing oil) and 'crama' (cream).

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable noun in food contexts Can be used as an attributive noun (e.g., cream sauce) Regular verb conjugation (cream, creamed, creaming)
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Cultural Context

In British culture, 'clotted cream' is a traditional thick cream essential for an authentic afternoon cream tea.

Quick Quiz

Would you like a little ____ in your tea?

Correct!

The correct answer is: cream

More Food words

meal

A1

A meal is an occasion when food is eaten, or the specific food that is prepared and eaten at a certain time of day. It usually refers to the main eating events such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

juice

A1

Juice is the liquid that comes from fruits and vegetables when they are squeezed or crushed. It is a common beverage enjoyed cold and is often consumed during breakfast.

coffee

A1

Coffee is a popular dark-colored drink made from roasted and ground seeds called beans. It is usually served hot or cold and contains caffeine, which helps people feel more awake and energetic.

cheese

A1

A solid food made from the pressed curds of milk, often flavored and aged. It is a common dairy product used in sandwiches, pizzas, and many cooked dishes around the world.

beef

A1

Beef is the culinary name for meat from cattle, particularly cows. It is a popular source of protein consumed in many different forms, such as steaks, roasts, or ground meat.

orange

A1

A round citrus fruit with a bright reddish-yellow skin and juicy segments inside. It is well-known for being a rich source of Vitamin C and is commonly eaten fresh or squeezed into juice.

watermelon

A1

A watermelon is a very large, round or oval fruit with a hard green skin and a sweet, watery red or pink interior. It is commonly eaten cold during the summer months and is known for its high water content and black seeds.

lemon

A1

A lemon is a yellow citrus fruit that has a very sour taste. It is commonly used in cooking, baking, and drinks to add a fresh or acidic flavor.

peach

A1

A peach is a round, sweet fruit with soft, fuzzy skin and a large hard seed in the middle. It is usually orange or yellow and is commonly eaten fresh or used in desserts during the summer.

pineapple

A1

A large, tropical fruit with a tough, scaly skin and a tuft of green leaves on top. It has sweet, juicy yellow flesh inside and is eaten fresh, canned, or as juice.

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