jambalaya

American  

[juhm-buh-lahy-uh] / ˌdʒʌm bəˈlaɪ ə /

noun

1. a dish of Creole origin, consisting of rice cooked with ham, sausage, chicken, or shellfish, herbs, spices, and vegetables, especially tomatoes, onions, and peppers.

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jambalaya British  

/ ˌdʒʌmbəˈlaɪə /

noun

1. a Creole dish made of shrimps, ham, rice, onions, etc

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Etymology

Origin of jambalaya

1740–50; < Louisiana French < Provençal jambalaia, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

That includes mashed potatoes, chicken pot pie and casserole, or big pots of soup, chowder, gumbo and jambalaya.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

They held regular dinner parties for friends, colleagues and students, and Morgan was renowned for her cooking, with a repertoire that included jambalaya, French beef stew, fried chicken and shrimp étouffée.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

The annual celebration gives me the perfect excuse to introduce you to a gem of Southern cuisine: the mighty jambalaya.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 6, 2024

Harris swept through the work area, past tall shelves piled high with plates and pans, stopping where Kam Winslow was stirring a giant bowl of jambalaya.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2024

Over a big plate of jambalaya, Larry told me that the best thing about Gloria’s house was we were so close to Bourbon Street.

From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson