paella

noun

pa·​el·​la pä-ˈā-yə How to pronounce paella (audio)
-ˈāl-yə
-ˈe-lə
-ˈā-lə How to pronounce paella (audio)
: a saffron-flavored dish containing rice, meat, seafood, and vegetables

Examples of paella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Guests can enjoy their pick of traditional breakfast items such as chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy and bacon as well as dishes from the burners like chicken and chorizo paella. Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026 Through June 30, 2026, guests who use the code EXP15OFF can take 15% off over 300,000 Things to Do, like sushi making in Tokyo, a food tour in NYC’s Greenwich Village, and a paella cooking class in Barcelona. Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026 The indoor and outdoor terrace restaurant will offer guests a brunch buffet featuring made-to-order omelets, seafood paella, applewood bacon, country sausage, a raw seafood bar, avocado toast and a dessert station with gelato. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026 Authentic paella is a magical thing. Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paella

Word History

Etymology

Catalan, literally, pot, pan, from Middle French paelle, from Latin patella small pan — more at patella

First Known Use

circa 1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paella was circa 1892

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paella. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

paella

noun
pa·​el·​la pä-ˈel-ə How to pronounce paella (audio) -ˈāl-yə How to pronounce paella (audio)
-ˈā-yə
: a Spanish dish of rice, meat, seafood, vegetables, and spices

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