1945–50; < French < German (dial.) Küche, diminutive of Küchen cake
A quiche is a savory, egg-based dish that's cooked in pastry like a tart or a pie. You might enjoy eating quiche for brunch at your favorite cafe. You could describe a quiche as an omelet (or a non-sweet custard) that's baked inside a pie crust. Eggs are essential for making a quiche, often mixed with cheese, vegetables, seafood, or meat. Quiche is a French word that first appeared in English in the mid-20th century and became very popular around 1970. It comes from the German Kuchen, or "cake."
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!
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!
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!
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There is a custom-made warmer for meals, with beef brisket and veggie quiche on the menu.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026
Ad-libbing, in addition to quiche, was on the menu tonight.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026
The pair tackled a savoury quiche, a technical teatime biscuit and a showstopping day off in cake form - although neither was crowned star baker at the end.
From BBC • Oct. 18, 2025
A half-mile northeast of that is Wild Rye Bakery, with a dozen Italian and French breads and pastries including focaccia, baguettes and lunch offerings such as quiche and ham-cheese croissants.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 24, 2024
“I do not get the obsession,” Moody murmured to Trip, in the corner behind the kitchen island, where they had retreated with paper plates of quiche and pastries.
From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
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.
