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

In 2023, protesters gathered outside Goldie, a falafel shop near Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. — Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026

All Meddys restaurants follow the same general aesthetic and offer typical menu favorites, like falafel, shawarma, succulent chicken and a hummus plate. — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026

Imad, from Lebanon, operates back of the house cooking chicken shawarma, gyros, falafel and their delicious house salads. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Arabic falāfil

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for falafel

• unlawful
• awful
• lawful
• offal
• waffle