congee
1 Americannoun
verb (used without object)
-
to take one's leave.
-
to bow ceremoniously.
noun
Etymology
Origin of congee1
First recorded in 1350–1400; late Middle English noun congie, congye, from Middle French congié, Old French congié, from Latin commeātus “furlough, leave of absence” literally, “passage, coming and going,” equivalent to commeā(re) “to go, travel” (from com- + meāre “to proceed, pass, travel”) + -tus suffix of verbal action; verb derived from noun; see com-
Origin of congee2
First recorded in 1695–1700; from Tamil kañci, kañji
Explanation
Congee is a savory rice porridge that's a common breakfast dish in many cultures. Some people think of congee as Asian comfort food. Congee is derived from the Tamil kañci, and South Asia is one of the many regions where this dish is traditionally made. In China, it's called zhou, and in Japan it's kayu — there are other versions of this comforting porridge all over East and Southeast Asia, as well as on the Indian subcontinent. Congee makes a soothing, warm breakfast dish, and it's perfect for someone who's sick, as it's easy to digest.
Vocabulary lists containing congee
World Cuisine - Introductory
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World Cuisine - Middle School and High School
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Foods from Asia
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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.
What you’re left with are little shards of savory excess, perfect for scattering over grain bowls, steaming congee, salads, pastas, anything that could use a jolt of salt, fat, and crunch.
From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026
Walking to my car after lunch, I passed Young Cafe, a Taiwanese spot filled with diners huddled over plates loaded with fried pork cutlets, dumplings and bowls of steaming congee.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 2, 2023
I can’t wait to go back for congee, wonton soup, more Taiwanese sausages and dumplings.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 2, 2023
Oatmeal or congee are two great options, as both have “a limitless number of combinations and directions.”
From Washington Post • Dec. 13, 2022
Yes, Wellingborough, you must; so I made one desperate congee, and darted through the door.
From Redburn. His First Voyage by Melville, Herman
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.
