congé

1 of 2

noun (1)

con·​gé kōⁿ-ˈzhā  ˈkän-ˌzhā 

variants or less commonly congee

ˈkän-(ˌ)jē 

-(ˌ)zhē

1

a

: a formal permission to depart

b

: dismissal

2

: a ceremonious bow

3

: farewell

4

: an architectural molding of concave profile see molding illustration

congee

2 of 2

noun (2)

con·​gee ˈkän-jē 

: porridge made from rice

Synonyms of congé

Noun (1)

• farewell
• bon voyage

Examples of congé in a Sentence

Noun (1)

with an elaborately ceremonious congé, the ambassador took his leave

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But my favorite is the breakfast congee, which leaves me wanting to ask for a second serving. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Mandazis, ginger rice congee and crispy lentil kofte can be found in a new cafe, run by the nonprofit organization MAKE Projects, which opened at the end of June with a mission to empower immigrant and refugee women. — Madeleine Kashkooli, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026

For dim sum, Hei La Moon is home to a bi-level, hall-style emporium while Winsor Dim Sum Café presents an expansive menu and outstanding congee. — Michele Herrmann, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Rhoda and Laurence are also both making versions of congee. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

alteration of earlier congee, congie, from Middle English conge, from Anglo-French cungé, from Latin commeatus going back and forth, leave, from commeare to go back and forth, from com- + meare to go — more at permeate

Noun (2)

Tamil kañci water from cooked rice

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1930, in the meaning defined above