paella

noun

pa·​el·​la pä-ˈā-yə How to pronounce paella (audio)
-ˈāl-yə, 
-ˈe-lə, 
-ˈā-lə How to pronounce paella (audio)
: a saffron-flavored dish containing rice, meat, seafood, and vegetables

Examples of paella 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.
Paired with fresh seafood straight from the Mediterranean and wild game from the mountains, the region strikes gastronomic gold as the birthplace of paella. — Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 Medium and short-grain rice, including Arborio rice used for risotto or short-grain rice used in dishes like paella, can also be toasted. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026 This includes one drink per person (sangria, beer, soda or house wine), a choice of starters, a first course, a paella to share and dessert. — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026 The party had a DJ, paella lunch, and an all-white dress code. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paella

Word History

Etymology

Catalan, literally, pot, pan, from Middle French paelle, from Latin patella small pan — more at patella

First Known Use

circa 1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paella was circa 1892

Rhymes for paella

See All Rhymes for paella

Browse Nearby Words

Paelignian
paella
paenula
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paella. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

paella

noun
pa·​el·​la pä-ˈel-ə How to pronounce paella (audio) -ˈāl-yə How to pronounce paella (audio)
-ˈā-yə
: a Spanish dish of rice, meat, seafood, vegetables, and spices

More from Merriam-Webster on paella

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paella

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