Similar to an American 'biscuit' these can be sweet or savory and are made with butter and are tender. Sweet scones are usually served with jam and clotted cream or butter.
A single-serving cake or quick bread. They are usually made of wheat with baking pow
der as a leavening agent, and are baked on sheet pans. They are often lightly sweetened and are occasionally glazed. The sweet scone (usually made with dried fruits) is a basic component of the Cream Tea or Devonshire Cream Tea.
The pronunciation of the word within the United Kingdom varies. According to one academic study, two-thirds of the British population pronounce it /ˈskɒn/ with the preference rising to 99% in the Scottish population. This is also the pronunciation of Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders. Other regions, particularly the United States and Ireland, pronounce the word as /ˈskoʊn/. The pronunciation /ˈskʊn/ is also used, particularly in Ireland. British dictionaries usually show the "con" form as the preferred pronunciation, while recognizing that the "cone" form also exists.
The difference in pronunciation is alluded to in the poem which contains the lines:
I asked the maid in dulcet tone
To order me a buttered scone
The silly girl has been and gone
And ordered me a buttered scone.
The Oxford English Dictionary reports that the first mention of the word was in 1513.