noun

Oreo

AW-ree-oh

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Oreo (noun) means a round sandwich cookie made of two dark, chocolate-flavoured wafers with a sweet cream filling in between, most famously made by Nabisco. Example: “She dunked an Oreo in her glass of milk.”

noun

A round sandwich cookie made of two dark, chocolate-flavoured wafers with a sweet cream filling in between, most famously made by Nabisco.

"She dunked an Oreo in her glass of milk."

"The recipe called for crushed Oreos as a pie crust."

A disparaging slang term for a Black person accused of acting or thinking "white," implying they have abandoned their cultural identity.

"The comment calling him an "oreo" was widely condemned as a racist insult."

How to use Oreo

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsually just the popular chocolate sandwich cookie; as slang, it's an offensive term implying someone has "sold out" their race.

Common mistake

The slang sense is a slur and considered highly offensive — it should not be used casually, even as a joke.

When to use it

The cookie sense is neutral and everyday; the slang sense is derogatory and taboo.

Common pairings

a pack of Oreos Oreo cookie crushed Oreos

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: Oreos

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She dunked an _____ in her glass of milk.

Etymology

A trademarked brand name first registered by the National Biscuit Company in 1912; its exact origin is disputed, with theories ranging from the French word for "gold" (or) to a simple invented name. The slur sense plays on the cookie's black-outside, white-inside appearance.

Origin: French · First attested 1912

Class of 1912 Oreo joined the language around 1912.

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Synonyms

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oreo cookie

Rhymes for Oreo

CEO deo Leo geo Yeo Neo Seo Keo Teo Heo Theo Cleo

See all rhymes for Oreo →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Oreo” mean?

The word “Oreo” means a round sandwich cookie made of two dark, chocolate-flavoured wafers with a sweet cream filling in between, most famously made by Nabisco. In plain terms, usually just the popular chocolate sandwich cookie; as slang, it's an offensive term implying someone has "sold out" their race.

How do you pronounce “Oreo”?

“Oreo” is pronounced AW-ree-oh (/ˈɔɹioʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “Oreo” in a sentence?

Here is “Oreo” used in a sentence: “She dunked an Oreo in her glass of milk.”

What part of speech is “Oreo”?

“Oreo” is a noun.

Where does the word “Oreo” come from?

The word “Oreo” dates back to around 1912 and comes from French.

How many meanings does “Oreo” have?

“Oreo” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a round sandwich cookie made of two dark, chocolate-flavoured wafers with a sweet cream filling in between, most famously made by Nabisco.