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.
See Examples For:
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
Note that congee will thicken as it cools, but you can thin it out again with a little water or stock.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 27, 2022
Serving congee is the ultimate way to send guests home feeling nourished — rather than preparing for a day of recovery.
From Salon ● Nov. 25, 2022
"My daughter Rebecca, so please your Grace," answered Isaac, with a low congee, nothing embarrassed by the Prince's salutation, in which, however, there was at least as much mockery as courtesy.
From Ivanhoe by Scott, Walter, Sir
It was too late, however, to retract; I booked my bets, drank my wine, congeed my friends, went to bed, and woke the next morning to feel myself a dupe.
From Jack Hinton The Guardsman by Lever, Charles James
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.
