beignet

noun

bei·​gnet ˌben-ˈyā  ˌbān- 

1

: fritter

2

: a light square doughnut usually sprinkled with powdered sugar

Examples of beignet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While tarte aux fraises and beignets made their way around the room, Peter Jackson slipped out of his seat to introduce himself to Steven Soderbergh, as fellow filmmakers Florian Zeller, Whit Stillman, and Ira Sachs, and the Cannes Film Festival’s president, Iris Knobloch, took in the scene. —Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 17 May 2026

Over the years, dishes like pork belly banh mi, short rib sandwiches, Vietnamese-style chicken wings and lemon ricotta beignets became menu staples, while the restaurant’s patio became a regular spot for families. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 13 May 2026

If the French Quarter line wraps around the block, the City Park location serves the same beignets in a calmer setting with shorter waits and a beautiful park backdrop. —Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026

Serving hot beignets and chicory café au lait since 1862, the main location sits right on the edge of Jackson Square in the French Quarter. —Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

American French & French; American French, from French, from Middle French bignet, from buyne bump, bruise

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1