piping hot

USAGE SUMMARY

"piping hot" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is very hot, such as food or drinks. For example, "I love a cup of piping hot coffee in the morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They're piping hot".

Independent

Edamame were piping hot and appropriately salty.

The New York Times

Our gratification must be served piping hot.

The New York Times

It should never be eaten piping hot.

The New York Times - Food

Serve piping hot in deep soup bowls.

The Washington Post

This dish is best served piping hot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The food arrives piping hot and tasty.

The Guardian - Travel

Serve piping hot with crusty bread.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(It should be warm, not piping hot).

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

With piping-hot fried artichokes, it's divine.

The New York Times - Food

He pulled up a camp stool and handed me a piping-hot M.R.E.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "piping hot" to vividly describe food or beverages that are served at a very high and appealing temperature. This adds sensory detail to your writing, making it more engaging for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "piping hot" to describe objects that shouldn't be hot, such as electronics or weather conditions. This can lead to confusion and detract from the clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "piping hot" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns (usually food or beverages) to indicate a very high temperature. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a common descriptor adding sensory detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "piping hot" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something that is very hot, typically food or drink. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Analysis of the examples shows its frequent appearance in News & Media. While versatile, it’s best to avoid overuse or applying it to inappropriate contexts to maintain clarity. Synonyms like "extremely hot" or "scalding hot" offer alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is generally suitable for neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely hot

Emphasizes the intensity of the heat, focusing on the degree of hotness.

intensely hot

Similar to "extremely hot", but focuses on the intensity.

scalding hot

Highlights the risk of burns or discomfort due to the high temperature.

burning hot

Emphasizes the ability to burn due to high temperature.

blazing hot

Implies a fiery or intense level of heat, often used metaphorically.

sizzling hot

Conveys the sound and sensation of something cooking at a high temperature.

boiling hot

Specifically refers to the temperature at which a liquid boils.

steaming hot

Refers to the visible steam rising from a hot object.

oven-hot

Connects the heat directly to the source of the oven.

freshly heated

Focuses on the recent application of heat.

FAQs

How can I use "piping hot" in a sentence?

You can use "piping hot" to describe food or drinks that are very hot. For example, "The soup was served "piping hot"." or "She enjoyed a "piping hot" cup of tea on a cold day."

What are some synonyms for "piping hot"?

Some alternatives to "piping hot" include "extremely hot", "scalding hot", or "blazing hot", each conveying a similar sense of high temperature.

Is it appropriate to use "piping hot" in formal writing?

While "piping hot" is more common in informal contexts, it can be used in formal writing if the goal is to vividly describe something, especially in food reviews or descriptive pieces. However, consider the tone of your writing and choose a synonym like "extremely hot" if a more formal tone is required.

What kind of things are usually described as "piping hot"?

"Piping hot" is typically used to describe foods or beverages that are served at a high temperature and are intended to be consumed while hot, such as soups, coffee, or freshly baked goods.