Pan
5 synonyms for Pan, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A wide, shallow metal container used for cooking food over heat.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A wide, shallow metal container used for cooking food over heat.
“She heated some oil in the pan before adding the onions.”
2. verb
To criticize something harshly, especially a film, book, or performance.
“Critics panned the movie for its weak script.”
How to use Pan
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pan out
pan the camera
a frying pan
critics panned it
Etymology
From Old English panne, the same root that gives us "pancake" and "saucepan."
Full origin of Pan →Frequently asked questions
What does “Pan” mean?
The word “Pan” means a wide, shallow metal container used for cooking food over heat. In plain terms, most often the cooking container, but also used for harshly criticizing something or for a plan working out.
How do you pronounce “Pan”?
“Pan” is pronounced pan (/pæn/ in IPA).
How do you use “Pan” in a sentence?
Here is “Pan” used in a sentence: “She heated some oil in the pan before adding the onions.”
What part of speech is “Pan”?
Depending on how it is used, “Pan” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “Pan” come from?
The word “Pan” comes from Old English. From Old English panne, the same root that gives us "pancake" and "saucepan.".
Is “Pan” a common word?
“Pan” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “Pan” have?
“Pan” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a wide, shallow metal container used for cooking food over heat.
What is the difference between a pan and a pot?
A pan is a wide, shallow metal container used for cooking food over heat, suited to frying and searing. A pot is deeper with higher sides, suited to boiling, stewing, and simmering liquids. The shapes drive the usage: you fry an egg in a pan but boil pasta in a pot.
Is pan formal or informal when it means to criticize?
It is informal to journalistic in register. "The critics panned it" is at home in reviews, headlines, and conversation, but a formal academic paper would more likely say the work was "harshly criticized" or "poorly received."
