bouillabaisse

[ bool-yuh-beys, bool-yuh-beys; French boo-ya-bes ]

noun

1. a soup or stew containing several kinds of fish and often shellfish, usually combined with olive oil, tomatoes, and saffron.

bouillabaisse

/ ˌbuːjəˈbɛs /

noun

1. a rich stew or soup of fish and vegetables flavoured with spices, esp saffron

Word History and Origins

Origin of bouillabaisse¹

1850–55; < French < Provençal boui-abaisso, taken as either “boil it, then lower the heat,” or “when it boils, lower the heat”; boui 2nd-person singular imperative or 3rd-person singular present of bouie to boil ¹; abaisso 2nd-person singular imperative of abaissa to lower; abase

Word History and Origins

Origin of bouillabaisse¹

C19: from French, from Provençal bouiabaisso , literally: boil down

Example Sentences

The main course includes options like seafood bouillabaisse and filet mignon.

From Washington Blade

They’re not eating bouillabaisse or ratatouille every day — in the same way that Americans aren’t just eating burgers and hot dogs every day.

From Washington Post

But the boycott measure is also confused, chiefly because of its bouillabaisse of motivations.

From The Daily Beast

I love caldeirada, which is a Portuguese version of bouillabaisse.

From The Daily Beast

Most historians believe gumbo evolved from a dish early Acadians made when they tried to recreate bouillabaisse.

From The Daily Beast

Sala, writing in "Breakfasts in Bed" does not praise bouillabaisse.

From Project Gutenberg

I lunched at La Turbie on a magnificent bouillabaisse and riz-de-veau, and after an interval set out upon my walk.

From Project Gutenberg

There are over a hundred ways of making a bouillabaisse; the above is one of the best.

From Project Gutenberg

As soon as we had sat down, I saw with delight the great soup-tureen, whence escaped a delicious fragrance of bouillabaisse.

From Project Gutenberg

I make bouillabaisse for those who like it, but—between you and me—Norman matelote of fish is just as good.

From Project Gutenberg