jambalaya

noun

jam·​ba·​laya ˌjəm-bə-ˈlī-ə 

1

: rice cooked usually with ham, sausage, chicken, shrimp, or oysters and seasoned with herbs

2

: a mixture of diverse elements

… curious jambalayas of competing elements …

—Neil Hickey

Synonyms of jambalaya

• medley
• variety
• jumble
• assortment
• collage
• gumbo

Examples of jambalaya in a Sentence

its jambalaya of widely diverse nationalities and races gives the urban neighborhood a rich vitality

Recent Examples on the Web

Strained, the broth is savory and often used as a base for hearty dishes, like soups, grits, jambalaya, gumbo, casseroles, and more. — Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026

Menu items will include jambalaya, truffle tenderloin steak and Louisiana-style braised short ribs, according to permitting documents. — Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 21 Aug. 2026

In New Orleans, travelers take detours to devour beignets, jambalaya, etouffee, muffaletta, and gumbo. — Karla Walsh, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026

This trio sets the foundation for many of the cuisine’s signature dishes, including étouffée, jambalaya, and gumbo. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Louisiana French, from Occitan jambalaia

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for jambalaya

• hezekiah
• jeremiah
• nehemiah
• obadiah
• zechariah
• gaia
• maia
• maya
• playa
• via
• messiah
• nyaya

Kids Definition

jambalaya

noun

jam·​ba·​laya ˌjəm-bə-ˈlī-ə 

: rice cooked with ham, sausage, chicken, shrimps, or oysters and seasoned with herbs