biryani
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of biryani
1930–35; < Hindi, Urdu biryānī from Persian biryan “fried, roasted”
Explanation
If you're in the mood for a vibrant, customizable Indian rice dish packed with spices, vegetables, and meats, then biryani is the perfect choice. The word biryani is likely derived from the Persian word birinj, "rice," or biryan, "to fry." The dish may have originated in Iran, but was later adapted into the popular Indian dish known today. There are many variations of biryani from different regions of India. Some are very spicy, while others have a milder flavor. Biryani is often served at celebrations and family gatherings throughout South Asia. It's traditionally made by layering long-grain Basmati rice with a protein and vegetables. The complex mix of spices in biryani often includes saffron or turmeric, which give it a bright yellow hue.
Vocabulary lists containing biryani
World Cuisine - Middle School and High School
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Foods from Asia
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But some entrepreneurs have also identified business opportunities, including food sellers who offer hungry drivers bread and bananas, or more elaborate meals of spicy biryani rice.
From Barron's ● Apr. 21, 2026
My first foray into the world of spiced yogurts took place inside the local biryani joint just a few miles north of my Maryland hometown.
From Salon ● Mar. 28, 2026
The festivities included a city parade, where one Dena sailor, speaking to an independent journalist, Samson Sagar, marveled at the flavor of biryani, an Indian rice dish he had sampled.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 10, 2026
But Lucknow is not just about kebabs and biryani - the region is also a vegetarian's paradise.
From BBC ● Dec. 19, 2025
During break, I search for Rabiya and find her in the courtyard, eating a plate of biryani that a white-haired uncle is passing out.
From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
