Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈbeɪ.kəri/

Definitions

• Noun: A place where baked goods, such as bread, cakes, and pastries, are produced and sold.
• Noun: The business or establishment that produces and sells baked goods.

Usage Examples

• "The bakery on the corner is famous for its fresh croissants."
• "She opened her own bakery to share her love for artisanal bread."
• "The bakery smells of freshly baked bread every morning."

Etymology

The word "bakery" comes from the Old French word "bakerie," which was derived from the root word "baker." The term refers to a place where the act of baking occurs, particularly the baking of bread. The concept of bakeries dates back to ancient civilizations where the need for specialized bread production was prominent.

Synonyms

• Pastry shop
• Confectionery
• Bread shop
• Cake shop

Antonyms

• Butchery
• Grocery store
• Supermarket

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciation can vary slightly based on regional accents. In British English, the stress is typically on the first syllable: /ˈbeɪ.kəri/, while in American English, the pronunciation may slightly differ but remains largely the same. Non-native speakers may emphasize different syllables or use local phonetic rules based on their native languages.

Historical Usage

The concept of bakeries has existed since ancient civilizations. The earliest bakeries were found in ancient Egypt and Rome. By the Middle Ages, bakeries became common in Europe, particularly in towns and cities where bread was baked on a large scale for the local population. Over time, bakeries have evolved from small, local shops to large-scale production facilities in modern times.

Cultural Nuances

Bakeries hold significant cultural importance in many countries. In France, for example, bakeries (boulangeries) are an integral part of daily life, with freshly baked bread being a staple of the French diet. In many cultures, bakeries are not only places to buy bread and pastries but also serve as community gathering spots where people enjoy socializing and consuming local delicacies.

More Information

Bakeries can vary widely in size and offerings. From small artisan shops that focus on hand-crafted goods to large commercial bakeries that produce packaged bread for supermarkets, the role of bakeries in society is crucial in providing fresh baked goods. Many modern bakeries also sell cakes, cookies, and pastries, expanding beyond bread alone. With the rise of online ordering, some bakeries also offer delivery services for their products, reaching a broader audience.