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congee

1 American  
[kon-jee, ‐zhey] / ˈkɒn dʒi, ‐ʒeɪ /

noun

  1. congé.


verb (used without object)

Obsolete.
congeed, congeeing
  1. to take one's leave.

  2. to bow ceremoniously.

congee 2 American  
[kon-jee] / ˈkɒn dʒi /

noun

  1. (in East Asian, especially Chinese, cuisine) a thick rice porridge.


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; 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.

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Vocabulary lists containing congee

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.

Much like someone might refer to a dish like congee as a comfort food, rice pudding is within that same frame of reference.

From Salon • Sep. 27, 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

You can use any leftover roasted meat to flavor this mild, comforting congee, which is delicately seasoned with white pepper.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 27, 2022

"Sure, madam," I returned, with a congee; "and is it not rather a compliment that I so willingly forfeit a superlunar bliss in order to retain the pleasure of your society?"

From Gallantry Dizain des Fetes Galantes by Cabell, James Branch