gratin

noun

gra·​tin ˈgra-tᵊn How to pronounce gratin (audio) ˈgrä- How to pronounce gratin (audio)
1
: a brown crust formed on food that has been cooked au gratin
also : a dish so cooked
2
: upper crust
the gratin of London society

Examples of gratin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pork is ubiquitous, and rice nearly as much so, appearing in a gratin with zucchini, a soup with chicken and a fritter known as calas. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 14 Oct. 2026 The entree comes with soup (lobster bisque) and a vegetable (haricots verts and potato gratin). — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026 The kitchen brings that same fruit-forward touch to the truite au crabe, stuffing butterflied trout with crabmeat and baking it in foil alongside fennel root, sweet apples and a bubbly potato gratin. — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026 In addition to Peking duck, which has to be ordered at least a day ahead of time, the menu also features plum sauce baby pork ribs, a black truffle gratin lobster tail and seasonal dishes, like winter osmanthus flowers. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gratin

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, from grater to scratch

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gratin was in 1806

Phrases Containing gratin

Rhymes for gratin

See All Rhymes for gratin

Browse Nearby Words

gratillity
gratin
gratinate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gratin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratin. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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