cookies
"Cookies" is a word with a few interesting meanings. Most people know it as a tasty snack, but it also has an important meaning in the world of computers and the internet. Here are the most common senses.
A cookie is a small, flat, sweet baked treat. Think of a round, crispy or chewy snack that you might eat with a glass of milk. They come in many flavors — chocolate chip, oatmeal, peanut butter, and more. In the UK, this is often called a 'biscuit' instead.
food and everyday language · Modern, widely used
In computing, a cookie is a small piece of data that a website saves on your computer or phone. It helps the website remember you — for example, it keeps you logged in, remembers your shopping cart, or tracks your preferences. You have probably seen a message on websites asking you to 'accept cookies'.
technology and the internet · Modern, widely used since the 1990s
In informal English, 'cookie' (usually singular) can refer to a person, often to describe their character. For example, 'a tough cookie' means someone who is strong and not easily upset, and 'a smart cookie' means someone who is clever.
everyday informal language · Modern, common in American English · figurative