What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defrosting
Example
I need to defrost the chicken before cooking it. [defrost: verb]
Example
The car windshield was covered in ice, so I had to defrost it before driving. [defrost: verb]
thawing
Example
I left the frozen berries on the counter to thaw before making a smoothie. [thaw: verb]
Example
The sun came out and started thawing the snow on the driveway. [thawing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thawing is more commonly used than defrosting in everyday language, especially when referring to food. However, defrosting is still a necessary term when dealing with frozen equipment or pipes.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between defrosting and thawing?
Both defrosting and thawing are neutral terms and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
