Definition of baker

The origin of the word "baker" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled as "baecere". This word was derived from the Old Norse term "bakari" which meant "one who bakes". The Normans, who conquered England in 1066, introduced a term "panbaker" which referred to someone who baked bread in a pan. However, this term did not gain popularity, and "baker" remained the commonly used term to describe someone who made bread and other baked goods. The Middle English term for baker was "bakere," which eventually evolved into the modern English word "baker". In the 14th and 15th centuries, the term "baker" was used not just to denote someone who made bread but also someone who provided other baked goods, such as gingerbread. The evolution of baking techniques, the emergence of specialized bakeries, and the expansion of the bakery industry have led to a diverse range of bakers today, ranging from artisan bread makers to large-scale commercial bakers. However, the word "baker" remains a simple yet effective label for anyone who creates delicious baked goods that have been a staple of human diet for centuries.