noun Uncommon

donut

DOH-nut

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Donut (noun) means a ring or piece of sweet, deep-fried dough, often coated with sugar or icing. Example: “He grabbed a donut and a coffee on his way to work.”

noun

A ring or piece of sweet, deep-fried dough, often coated with sugar or icing.

"He grabbed a donut and a coffee on his way to work."

"The bakery sells a dozen donuts for five pounds."

"She dipped the donut in her tea."

How to use donut

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA sweet, deep-fried piece of dough shaped into a ring.

When to use it

It is an informal, everyday spelling rather than a formal one.

Memory tip

Donut and doughnut are pronounced the same; only the spelling differs.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

doughnut →

Common pairings

glazed donut box of donuts donut shop jam-filled donut

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “donut” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He grabbed a _____ and a coffee on his way to work.

Etymology

Donut is an altered spelling of doughnut, formed from dough and nut, and is first recorded around 1900. It stayed rare until the 1950s, when it began to spread more widely, likely helped by the growth of the Dunkin' Donuts chain, founded in 1950.

Origin: English

Rhymes for donut

coconut

See all rhymes for donut →

Frequently asked questions

Is donut the same as doughnut?

Yes, donut is simply an alternative spelling of doughnut, chiefly used in Canada, the US and Australia.

When did the spelling donut start being used?

It is recorded from around 1900, but it only became common after the 1950s.

Why did the spelling donut become popular?

Its spread is thought to be linked to the rise of the Dunkin' Donuts chain, which was founded in 1950.

What is the meaning of donut?

"donut" (noun) means a ring or piece of sweet, deep-fried dough, often coated with sugar or icing.