What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pies
Example
I love eating apple pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. [pies: noun]
Example
She baked a delicious chicken pot pie for dinner. [pie: noun]
pastry
Example
The bakery sells a variety of pastries, including croissants, danishes, and turnovers. [pastries: noun]
Example
She learned how to make pastry dough from scratch in her baking class. [pastry: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pies are more commonly known and used than pastry in everyday language, especially in the context of desserts and main courses. Pastry is a more specialized term that is often used in baking and culinary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pies and pastry?
Pastry is a more formal term than pies, as it encompasses a wider range of baked goods and is often used in professional or technical settings.