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
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!
World Cuisine - Middle School and High School
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!
Foods from Asia
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Soup is the obvious recommendation for days when appetite has gone AWOL, but two in particular stand out as personal MVPs: the “tiny everything” pastina and rotisserie chicken congee.
From Salon • Jan. 29, 2026
Instead of a basic rice bowl with ground beef, why not make congee with soy-braised beef and lots of fresh herbs?
From Salon • Mar. 30, 2025
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
With a slight congee the doctor left thorn and went back again; and then came the full rush of all the guests, small and great.
From Say and Seal, Volume I by Warner, Susan
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.
