Home Made or Homemade? Which is Correct?

When we talk about food, crafts, or other items made at home, we often wonder how to write it correctly. Should it be home made or homemade? Many people get confused because both look right, but only one is actually correct in modern English.

The correct word is homemade, written as a single word. It describes anything made at home instead of bought from a store or factory. Using it properly helps your writing look clean and professional. In this article, we will explain why homemade is correct and how to use it in sentences.

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Home Made or Homemade? Which is Correct?

When you make food, crafts, or other items at home, you might wonder whether to write home made vs homemade. The correct way is homemade, a compound word used as an adjective to describe anything made at home. This clear, single-word form helps your writing look professional and accurate.

As the detail is given below, we will explain why homemade is correct, show examples of homemade items, and compare it with home-made and home made for better understanding.

Why Homemade is the correct spelling

The correct spelling is homemade because it is a compound word that describes anything made at home. Unlike home made, which is two separate words, homemade works as an adjective to clearly show that something, like food, crafts, or remedies, is prepared at home rather than bought.

Examples of Using “Homemade” in a Sentence:

“She baked homemade cookies for the party.”
“I prefer homemade bread to store-bought bread.”

Using homemade instead of home made makes your sentences clear and professional. It helps readers quickly understand that the item is crafted at home. For instance, homemade jam suggests freshness and care, which a store-bought version cannot convey.

Most dictionaries, including Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary, list homemade as the standard form. Over time, the hyphenated form, home-made, became less common. Today, writing homemade ensures your text follows modern English spelling rules.

You can use homemade food for many items, not just food. It works for homemade crafts, costumes, or remedies. By using this correct form, you show attention to detail and make your writing readable and accurate, helping your audience understand your message easily.

Homemade: Meaning and Usage

The word homemade means anything made at home instead of bought from a store or factory. You can use it for food, crafts, or even remedies. By using homemade, you clearly show that an item is crafted with care at home, adding a personal and authentic touch.

Example:
“She loves eating homemade bread because it tastes fresher than store-bought bread.”

Here, homemade describes the bread, showing it was baked at home with personal effort and attention, making it more special and high-quality than mass-produced bread.

Homemade vs Home-made: Is the hyphenated form correct?

Most modern dictionaries, including Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary, list homemade as the standard form. While home-made with a hyphen appears in older texts, today people write homemade to describe anything made at home clearly and professionally.

Using home-made is not technically wrong, but it is less common. Over time, English has combined many compound words, like homemade, into a single word. This helps your writing look modern, clean, and easy to read, especially in recipes, crafts, or homemade items.

In everyday writing, stick to homemade to avoid confusion. It works for homemade cookies, bread, crafts, or remedies, and shows readers that the item is crafted at home with care. Transitioning to the single-word form improves clarity and style.

Examples of Using “Homemade“ in A Sentence

She baked homemade cookies for her friends.
I prefer homemade bread over store-bought bread.
He repaired the chair using homemade glue.
Their homemade decorations made the party cozy.
We enjoyed homemade pizza on Friday night.
She gifted me a jar of homemade jam.
The children made homemade crafts for the school fair.
He wore a homemade costume to the festival.
They served homemade salsa at the family barbecue.
I tried homemade ice cream for the first time.
She used homemade remedies to treat a cold.
The chef showed us how to make homemade pasta from scratch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct spelling is homemade, a compound word used as an adjective to describe anything made at home. Using homemade instead of home made or home-made ensures your writing is clear, professional, and easy to understand. You can apply it to homemade cookies, bread, crafts, costumes, or remedies.

Over time, the single-word form has become standard in both American and British English. By following this simple rule, you show attention to detail and help your readers quickly understand that the item is crafted at home with care and authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it correct to write “home made”?

No, home made as two separate words is incorrect in modern English. The correct form is homemade, used for items made at home.

Can I use “home-made” with a hyphen?

You can use home-made, but it is outdated. Most dictionaries prefer homemade, the single-word form, for food, crafts, or homemade items.

What does “homemade” mean?

Homemade describes anything made at home, not purchased from a store. It can apply to bread, cookies, crafts, remedies, or decorations.

How do I use “homemade” in a sentence?

Use homemade as an adjective: “She baked homemade cookies,” showing the item is crafted at home with care and freshness.

Why is “homemade” preferred over “home made”?

Homemade is a compound word that follows modern English rules. It is clear, professional, and widely recognized in American and British English writing.