Pan

A pan is a wide, shallow metal container used for cooking food. It typically has a handle and may be used on a stovetop or in an oven. Pans come in various sizes and materials (e.g., stainless steel, cast iron, non-stick) and are essential kitchen tools. Beyond cooking, 'pan' can refer to other objects with a similar shape, like a camera pan (horizontal movement). The term also describes a panning movement of a camera in film. Figuratively, 'pan' can mean to criticize harshly or to sift through material to find something useful (e.g., panning for gold).

Pan meaning with examples

• She carefully sautéed the vegetables in a large pan, ensuring they browned evenly. The aroma of garlic and onions filled the kitchen. This cast-iron pan was perfect for achieving a crispy texture and a rich flavor profile for the dish. Cleaning the pan afterward was a breeze with a little soap and water and a gentle sponge.
• The chef demonstrated how to sear the steak in a hot pan, creating a flavorful crust. The stainless-steel pan distributed heat evenly, which helped in getting a uniform cook across the meat. The loud sizzle as the steak hit the pan signaled a critical stage of the process. The kitchen quickly filled with the delicious smell of cooking steak.
• During the movie scene, the director instructed the camera operator to pan slowly across the landscape, revealing a vast expanse of rolling hills. The sweeping view heightened the scene's visual impact. The subtle movement of the camera offered a sense of scale to the landscape. The careful panning emphasized the beauty of the natural world.
• The prospector spent weeks panning for gold in the river, hoping to strike it rich. His hands carefully scooped the river sediment, swirling the water in his pan. Every movement required patience and focus, with each scoop of sediment promising gold. He felt a surge of excitement, as he started to see flecks of gold in his pan.
• The critic harshly panned the latest movie, citing its poor writing and acting. The review completely tore the movie to shreds. The audience went into a rage, arguing the critic was wrong and they loved the movie. The public wondered if the panning was fair.