shawarma

American  

[shuh-wawr-muh] / ʃəˈwɔr mə /

Also shwarma

noun

1. (in Middle Eastern cuisine)

   1. roasted meat, as lamb or beef, cooked on a spit.

   2. a dish consisting of this meat, served wrapped in pita bread with tahini or hummus.

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Etymology

Origin of shawarma

1950–55; < Levantine Arabic shāwurma, shāwirma, from Turkish çevirme “turn, rotation, meat roasted on a spit,” from çevirmek “to turn, rotate”

Example Sentences

The menu centers on ultra-creamy hummus bowls served with pillowy pita puffs and topped with everything from falafel to Wagyu shawarma.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

It’s an excellent condiment that works as a dip for crudités or a hearty spread when paired with grilled meats, like chicken shawarma and lamb.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

“I know my house is bombed, but I don’t care. We’re all going back,” said Haidar, 33, who was picking up shawarma sandwiches for his family at a roadside restaurant.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2024

Its response was a topping comprising Arab shawarma chicken, Indian grilled paneer cheese, Middle Eastern Za'atar herbs, and tahini sauce.

From BBC • Aug. 28, 2024

“Nothing I can’t handle,” Boaz said, not ready to mention the strange encounter he’d had with the shawarma ghost in the Village or whatever had happened in the storage room with Molly.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny