tempura

noun

tem·​pu·​ra ˈtem-pə-rə How to pronounce tempura (audio)
-ˌrä;
tem-ˈpu̇r-ə How to pronounce tempura (audio)
: seafood or vegetables dipped in batter and fried in deep fat

Examples of tempura 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.
Shrimp tempura, soft shell crab, popcorn shrimp, codfish and tuna sticks lacked labels with date and four-hour discard time. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado may 15, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026 There’s a variety of classic sushi rolls like Philadelphia rolls or specialties like the Jayhawk roll (cream cheese, avocado, shrimp tempura and spicy tuna) as well as sashimi (individual pieces of fish served with ginger, soy sauce and wasabi). Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026 At 99 Sushi, a brand born in Spain with a Michelin star for its Abu Dhabi outpost, nigiri and maki are made to order at the sushi counter, and the à la carte menu features tempura, teriyaki tuna and beef grilled on volcanic stones. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026 Go with buttery scallops or fresh grouper encrusted in coconut for your entrée or opt for some sushi, like the sunset roll—tuna, avocado, octopus, shrimp tempura, and a spicy soy sauce. Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tempura

Word History

Etymology

Japanese tenpura

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tempura was in 1920

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Cite this Entry

“Tempura.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tempura. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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