Definition

To bake something for too long, causing it to become dry or hard.

Example

If you overbake the cookies, they will be too crunchy and not soft.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think I might have accidentally overbaked that cake.

Oh no! How did that happen?

I lost track of time while chatting with you.

Next time, just set a timer to avoid overbakeing!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overbake → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "bake" (from Old English "bacan", meaning to cook by dry heat). The word "overbake" means to cook something by dry heat for too long or excessively.

Memory Tip

Think of cooking something 'excessively' ('over-') in dry heat ('bake') — that's why overbake means to cook it too long.

Visually Confused Words