Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

mince

Syllabification: (mince)
Pronunciation: /mins/
Translate mince | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of mince

verb

[with object]
  • 1 (often as adjective minced) cut up or grind (food, especially meat) into very small pieces, typically in a machine with revolving blades:minced beef
  • 2 [no object] walk with an affected delicacy or fastidiousness, typically with short quick steps:there were plenty of secretaries mincing about

noun

  • something minced, especially mincemeat:put the mince on a dish

Phrases

not mince words (or one's words)

speak candidly and directly, especially when criticizing someone or something:a gruff surgeon who does not mince words

Derivatives

mincer

noun

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French mincier, based on Latin minutia 'smallness'

mince in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of mince in the British & World English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

monocular

/ məˈnɒkjʊlə /
adjective , noun
with, for, or in one eye …