the thick white or pale yellow fatty liquid that rises to the top when milk is left to stand and that can be eaten as it is or whipped, churned into butter, or processed into various products, a thick, soft, and smooth substance that is spread on or used as a filling for cakes, cookies, and other desserts, the best part of something

cream of the crop, to cream someone, to rise to the top like cream

Formal and Informal Expressions of cream

In different contexts, you can replace 'cream' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'dairy product' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'good stuff, top dog' is a commonplace synonym.

cream: Explore its Definition & Usage

cream Definition

1the thick white or pale yellow fatty liquid that rises to the top when milk is left to stand and that can be eaten as it is or whipped, churned into butter, or processed into various products
2a thick, soft, and smooth substance that is spread on or used as a filling for cakes, cookies, and other desserts
3the best part of something

Using cream: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cream" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I like to put cream in my coffee.
Example
She made a cake with cream filling.
Example
The cream of the crop always rises to the top.

cream Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cream

whipped cream
clotted cream
double cream
heavy cream
light cream

Antonyms for cream

skim milk
low-fat milk

Phrases with cream

cream of the crop
the best of a particular group or type
Example
The company only hires the cream of the crop.
to cream someone
to beat someone by a large margin
Example
The home team creamed their opponents 10-0.
to rise to the top like cream
to become successful or prominent due to one's abilities or qualities
Example
With hard work and dedication, she rose to the top like cream.

Origins of cream

from Old English 'crēam', from Proto-Germanic 'krēmō' meaning 'frost, cream'

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Summary: cream in Brief

The term 'cream' [kriːm] refers to a thick, fatty liquid that rises to the top of milk, which can be eaten as is or used in various products. It also refers to a soft and smooth substance used as a filling for desserts. The phrase 'cream of the crop' denotes the best of a particular group, while 'to cream someone' means to beat them by a large margin. 'To rise to the top like cream' means to become successful or prominent due to one's abilities or qualities.