bird's-nest soup

noun

1. a Chinese soup made from the mucilaginous lining of the nests of the Asiatic swift.

bird's-nest soup

noun

1. a rich spicy Chinese soup made from the outer part of the nests of SE Asian swifts of the genus Collocalia

Word History and Origins

Origin of bird's-nest soup¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The menu doesn't feature rare beluga caviar or bird's-nest soup; no, it's locally grown asparagus and hand-rolled strozzapretti that have everyone abuzz.

From Inc

He entertained us very comfortably to a rather luxurious dinner, consisting of b�che-de-mer, bird's-nest soup, &c.; after which, the ladies and little Sz-wangs were introduced with the wine,—just at the time they would have been retiring from the table if in Europe.

From Project Gutenberg

At the end of the book, having deepened her relationships with several other relatives, Tan gets her mother to tell her how to make one of Asia's most labor-intensive delicacies: bird's-nest soup.

From Seattle Times

And for homesick Chinese gamblers, bird's-nest soup is now available at the hotel--for $150 a bowl.

From Time Magazine Archive

These contain the birds' hardened saliva, basic ingredient of bird's-nest soup.

From Time Magazine Archive