John Dory

noun

John Do·​ry ˈjän-ˈdȯr-ē How to pronounce John Dory (audio)
plural John Dories
: a widely distributed marine food fish (Zeus faber of the family Zeidae) that is yellow to olive in color with a dark spot on each side and has an oval compressed body and long dorsal spines

Examples of John Dory in a Sentence

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While choice is strictly limited—two starters, two mains, cheese or dessert—the produce is exceptional, from juicy scallops to John Dory cooked with tangy sorrel and crunchy samphire, sea asparagus, accompanied by a seasonal pumpkin purée. John Brunton, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026 Meanwhile, mains lean richer: John Dory with sea‑urchin beurre blanc, roast pork loin with pork belly and black pudding, pearl barley risotto, or a whole seabass for two with hazelnut pesto. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Orchestrating the kitchens since 2024, chef Christophe Scheller spins up creative dishes using local products like freshly caught John Dory and foie gras from Les Landes. Mary Winston Nicklin, AFAR Media, 20 Jan. 2026 The main course consisted of fillet of John Dory with black olive barigoule of artichokes. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 16 May 2025 Dishes like the delicate John Dory, razor clam and quinoa, or the unorthodox crawfish with Korean soup, are an exhilarating celebration of flavor, texture and craftsmanship. Isabelle Kliger, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Seasonal specials include the beef Wellington and John Dory and classics like the jumbo king crab legs. Monica Eng, Axios, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

earlier dory, from Middle English dorre, from Anglo-French doree, literally, gilded one

First Known Use

1729, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of John Dory was in 1729

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Cite this Entry

“John Dory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/John%20Dory. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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