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; 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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

congee congeed

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

Little bites of umami crackle and crunch that bring a welcome jolt of delight to some of my favorite dishes — congee, citrusy chicken Caesar wraps, anything that benefits from a salty, shattery finish.

From Salon ● Apr. 26, 2026

I can’t wait to go back for congee, wonton soup, more Taiwanese sausages and dumplings.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 2, 2023

The “brand studios” from companies such as Canada Goose and Chase Sapphire where a select few were given free puffer coats and, on one occasion, congee with sous vide quail eggs.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 29, 2023

For the penal class there was the usual congee diet.

From Prisoners Their Own Warders A Record of the Convict Prison at Singapore in the Straits Settlements Established 1825 by McNair, John Frederick Adolphus

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