rotisserie

American  

[roh-tis-uh-ree] / roʊˈtɪs ə ri /

noun

1. a small broiler with a motor-driven spit, for barbecuing fowl, beef, etc.

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verb (used with object)

rotisseried, rotisseriing

1. to broil on a rotisserie.

rotisserie British  

/ rəʊˈtɪsərɪ /

noun

1. a rotating spit on which meat, poultry, etc, can be cooked

2. a shop or restaurant where meat is roasted to order

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Etymology

Origin of rotisserie

1865–70; < French: roasting place

Explanation

A rotisserie is a special kind of oven that keeps meat turning constantly as it cooks. Some restaurants and supermarkets use rotisseries for roasting whole chickens. A rotisserie uses a spit, a long skewer or metal rod that holds a large piece of meat. The spit rotates so that the meat cooks evenly and is constantly basting in its own juices. In the mid-1800s, the word rotisserie referred to a restaurant serving meat that was cooked this way, from the French rôtisserie, "restaurant," and rôtir, "to roast."

Example Sentences

I also like Kismet Rotisserie, Crossroads Kitchen on Melrose, My Vegan and Malibu Seafood, which is such a magical lunch spot.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2025

Over the next few decades, Popeil, through his company Ronco, would sell millions of products such as the Ronco Electric Food Dehydrator and the Showtime Rotisserie & BBQ.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2025

Rotisserie chicken makes for a nourishing pasta sauce.

From New York Times • Feb. 1, 2023

The quintessential TV pitchman and inventor known to generations of viewers for hawking products including the Veg-O-Matic, the Pocket Fisherman, Mr. Microphone and the Showtime Rotisserie and BBQ.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 2, 2021

“Thank goodness. Dig in, guys. I got fried chicken for you, Jake. Salad for Emma. Rotisserie chicken for me. And mashed potatoes for everybody!”

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• broil
• grill
• sear