frying pan

noun

: a metal pan with a handle that is used for frying foods

called also fry pan

Phrases
out of the frying pan into the fire
: clear of one difficulty only to fall into a greater one

Examples of frying pan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As for Wilcox, his move from Florida State to the NCAA turned out to be a case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire, as he became embroiled in the organization’s more and more tenuous efforts to enforce its bylaws. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 9 July 2025 My job involved taking a frying pan cover off a conveyor belt, using a press to punch a hole, attaching a fly wheel and returning the finished product to the conveyor belt. Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025 Looking for an everyday frying pan that’s naturally nonstick? Clara McMahon, People.com, 7 July 2025 So the Jackson three have jumped from the frying pan into the fire and then back into a different frying pan. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for frying pan

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of frying pan was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Frying pan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frying%20pan. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

frying pan

noun
: a metal pan with a handle for frying foods

More from Merriam-Webster on frying pan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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