sweetbread

[ sweet-bred ]

noun

1. Also called stomach sweetbread. the pancreas of an animal, especially a calf or a lamb, used for food.
2. Also called neck sweetbread, the thymus gland of such an animal, used for food.

sweetbread

/ ˈswiːtˌbrɛd /

noun

1. the pancreas ( stomach sweetbread ) or the thymus gland ( neck or throat sweetbread ) of an animal, used for food

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweetbread¹

First recorded in 1555–65; sweet + bread

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweetbread¹

C16: sweet + bread , perhaps from Old English brǣd meat; related to Old Saxon brādo ham, Old High German brāt, Old Norse brāth

Example Sentences

The caramelized sweetbreads are probably one of the best that guests will ever taste in their lives.

From Salon

The pièce de résistance is sweetbreads staged with buttery roasted cauliflower florets, punched up with anchovies, and showered with earthy black truffles.

From Washington Post

She wrote terrible poetry about offering up her glands and sweetbreads as a token of love.

From Salon

Child’s landmark 1961 cookbook contained 524 recipes, for aspics and sweetbreads, poached eggs and mushrooms, chicken fricassee and calf’s brains in wine.

From Washington Post

Here’s what else to expect: breezy service, icy oysters, crisp cod perched on ratatouille and sweetbreads that cut like custard and arrive with a forest of mushrooms.

From Washington Post