bouillabaisse

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

/ ˌbul yəˈbeɪs, ˈbul yəˌbeɪs; French bu yaˈbɛs /

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noun

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

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Origin of bouillabaisse

1850–55; <French <Provençal boui-abaisso, taken as either “boil it, then lower the heat,” or “when it boils, lower the heat”; boui 2nd singular imperative or 3rd singular present of bouie to boil¹; abaisso 2nd singular imperative of abaissa to lower; see abase

Words nearby bouillabaisse

boughten, bougie, Bouguer anomaly, Bouguer correction, Bouguereau, bouillabaisse, bouillon, bouillon cube, bouillon cup, bouillon spoon, bouillotte lamp

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use bouillabaisse in a sentence

The main course includes options like seafood bouillabaisse and filet mignon.
Celebrate omicron’s decline this Valentine’s Day|Evan Caplan|February 3, 2022|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.
Le grand aioli is dip for dinner, the French way|Daniela Galarza|July 1, 2021|Washington Post
But the boycott measure is also confused, chiefly because of its bouillabaisse of motivations.
What Does the ASA Boycott Mean? They Don’t Know.|Jay Michaelson|December 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I love caldeirada, which is a Portuguese version of bouillabaisse.
Fresh Picks|George Mendes|September 7, 2010|DAILY BEAST

Most historians believe gumbo evolved from a dish early Acadians made when they tried to recreate bouillabaisse.
Secrets of Creole and Cajun Food|Mary Goodbody|February 17, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Sala, writing in "Breakfasts in Bed" does not praise bouillabaisse.
The Art of Entertaining|M. E. W. Sherwood
I lunched at La Turbie on a magnificent bouillabaisse and riz-de-veau, and after an interval set out upon my walk.
The Air Pirate|Cyril Arthur Edward Ranger Gull
There are over a hundred ways of making a bouillabaisse; the above is one of the best.
Hand-Book of Practical Cookery for Ladies and Professional Cooks|Pierre Blot
As soon as we had sat down, I saw with delight the great soup-tureen, whence escaped a delicious fragrance of bouillabaisse.
Their Majesties as I Knew Them|Xavier Paoli
I make bouillabaisse for those who like it, but—between you and me—Norman matelote of fish is just as good.
Masters of the Guild|L. Lamprey

British Dictionary definitions for bouillabaisse

bouillabaisse

/ (ˌbuːjəˈbɛs) /

noun

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

Word Origin for bouillabaisse

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012