homemade

Everyday

Homemade means made at home, not bought from a shop or factory. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life homemade food like bread, cakes, jam or lemonade is made in your kitchen; homemade cards and presents are made by hand. In stories, homemade things show care and love, or sometimes something rough and simple. Safety: homemade fireworks or chemicals are very dangerous — never try. Phrases: «homemade cake», «homemade soup», «homemade card», «homemade costume».

Examples

• Grandma's homemade apple pie is the best. tree →
• We sold homemade lemonade at the fair. tree →
• I made a homemade card for Mum's birthday. tree →
• His homemade costume won first prize. tree →
• Homemade bread smells wonderful. tree →
• They built a homemade raft. tree →
• Never try homemade fireworks. tree →
• Is this jam homemade or from the shop? tree →

Note

Written «homemade» (common in the US and now everywhere) or «home-made» (UK). Opposite: shop-bought (UK), store-bought (US). Homemade food has no long-life preservatives, so it may go bad faster.