Meaning & Definition
noun
A thick, rich liquid that is made from the fatty part of milk.
She added a dollop of cream to her coffee for extra richness.
A cosmetic preparation for the skin, typically used for moisturizing or beautifying.
He applied sunscreen cream before going out into the sun.
The best or most admirable part of something.
The cream of the crop were selected for the championship team.
verb
To beat or whisk (a mixture, especially butter and sugar) until fluffy.
She creamed the butter and sugar together before adding the eggs.
To remove the cream from milk.
He learned how to cream the milk to make butter.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'creme', from Latin 'crema', meaning 'the fat of milk'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cream of the crop:
The best among a group.
rise to the top like cream:
To become successful or prominent.
cream cheese:
A soft, white spreadable cheese made from cream.
cream puff:
A light pastry filled with cream or custard.
Slang Meanings
Money.
He pulled out a stack of cream from his wallet.
To excel in something.
She creamed them in the competition.