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California roll

American  

noun

  1. a sushi roll containing avocado, cucumber, and crabmeat, or imitation crabmeat, wrapped in vinegared rice and seaweed.


Etymology

Origin of California roll

First recorded in 1975–80; so called because it probably originated in Los Angeles, CA

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.

The salmon appetizer served in April was inspired by the California roll, which Comerford said was invented by a Japanese chef.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2024

The California roll was first mentioned by The Times in a 1979 review of Niikura in Tarzana.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2023

For those put off by tuna, there was a new local invention: the California roll, made with avocado, at Ichiro Mashita’s counter not too far away.

From New York Times • Jan. 4, 2022

These are just a few of the hundreds of fusion rolls that have come into existence since the introduction of the California roll.

From Washington Post • Oct. 8, 2019

She puts miso soup in matching blue bowls and puts a California roll and a sweet potato tempura roll on a plate for me.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon