kebab

noun

ke·​bab kə-ˈbäb How to pronounce kebab (audio)
also
ˈkā-ˌbäb How to pronounce kebab (audio)
variants or kebob or less commonly kabob
: cubes of meat (such as lamb or beef) marinated and cooked with vegetables usually on a skewer

Examples of kebab 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.
These steak kebabs are marinated in an easy garlic, Fresno chile, coconut cream, and cilantro-lime sauce for four to 12 hours to really ensure each piece of steak is infused with flavor. — Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2026 Chicken Kebabs Small pieces of chicken, such as those used for kebabs, should only be marinated for about 2 hours. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 13 Aug. 2026 But kebabs are joined by a variety of stews, salads and eggplant dishes that are mainstays of Persian cooking. — Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026 Among those seasonal favorites is the bell pepper, which adds crunch, color and sweetness to everything from veggie trays and salads to pizzas, fajitas, kebabs and stir-fries. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for kebab

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Arabic or Persian kabāb, from Turkish kebap

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kebab was in 1673

Phrases Containing kebab

Rhymes for kebab

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Browse Nearby Words

keawe
kebab
kebbie
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Cite this Entry

“Kebab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kebab. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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