kebab
|ke-bab|
🇺🇸
/kəˈbɑːb/
🇬🇧
/kəˈbæb/
roasted/skewered meat
Etymology
'kebab' originates from Turkish, specifically the word 'kebap', which ultimately comes from Persian/Arabic 'kabāb' meaning 'roasted meat'.
'kebab' changed from Turkish 'kebap', which was borrowed from Arabic/Persian 'kabāb'; this form entered European languages (e.g. French, English) in the modern period and became 'kebab' in English.
Initially, it meant 'roasted meat' in Persian/Arabic, and over time it evolved to refer to various dishes of meat cooked on a skewer or spit and related street-food preparations.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
chunks or slices of meat grilled on a skewer or spit; a dish of meat cooked in this way.
We had a kebab for dinner.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a style of prepared meat served in sandwiches or wraps (especially in British English, e.g. doner kebab shawarma style).
He grabbed a kebab from the shop after the concert.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to cook or pierce with a skewer; to put pieces of meat (and often vegetables) on a skewer for grilling.
They kebabbed chicken and vegetables over the fire.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/17 05:53