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

Look for stalls selling falafel, dosas, bao and tacos, often side by side. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026

Fried pita strips with hummus, falafel balls and extra portions of meat are also available. — Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2026

The fast-casual eatery serves up Mediterranean classics like lamb gyro, falafel and spinach and feta pie. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026

For lunch, try a falafel and hummus wrap with a whole-wheat tortilla, falafel, hummus, cucumber, tomato and arugula. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Arabic falāfil

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for falafel

• unlawful
• awful
• lawful
• offal
• waffle