Irish stew

American  

noun

1. a stew usually made of mutton, lamb, or beef, with potatoes, onions, etc.

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Irish stew British  

noun

1. a white stew made of mutton, lamb, or beef, with potatoes, onions, etc

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Etymology

Origin of Irish stew

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

The favorite at 2-1 is Irish stew, that hearty concoction of lamb, potatoes and vegetable.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2025

Under those leaves are more leaves — fresh mint, a classic pairing with lamb, of course, but almost the last thing you expect to find in Irish stew.

From New York Times • May 24, 2022

That evening he and an Army sergeant who stayed with him tried to boil an Irish stew in Stanton’s fireplace.

From Washington Post • Jan. 26, 2021

It’s assured, unrushed, complex, soulful and passionate, with his specific Irish stew of R&B;, rock, gospel and folk.

From Washington Times • Mar. 4, 2019

Those beloved, frumpish books gave off a smell that permeated the ward—like flannel pajamas that hadn’t been changed for a month, or like Irish stew.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut