falafel

noun

fa·​la·​fel fə-ˈlä-fəl 

variants or less commonly felafel

plural falafel also felafel

: a spicy mixture of ground vegetables (such as chickpeas or fava beans) formed into balls or patties and then fried

Examples of falafel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their falafel is made from chickpeas, fresh garlic and their own blend of seasonings. — Gail Ciampa, The Providence Journal, 11 Sep. 2026

Dishes include harissa avocado bowls, steak and feta pitas, and falafel crunch salads. — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Protein options include chicken or beef shawarma, kafta, falafel and beef or lamb gyro meat. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026

Inspired by falafel but deconstructed, these hearty pitas are filled with roasted cauliflower and crispy chickpeas, then topped with a spicy jalapeño yogurt sauce. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Arabic falāfil

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for falafel

• unlawful
• awful
• lawful
• offal
• waffle