gyoza

noun

gyo·​za gē-ˈō-zə 

plural gyoza or gyozas

: a crescent-shaped dumpling consisting of a thin wrapper that is filled usually with meat, seafood, or vegetables

Gyoza are very versatile—you can pan-fry, steam, boil or deep-fry them, or simply add a couple to your noodle soup.

—Sachie Nomura, quoted in Newcastle (Australia) Herald

Given my Chinese descent, the first dumplings I ever ate were Chinese ones—wontons, potstickers, and boiled dumplings. But I've also ordered gyoza at Japanese restaurants, which seem similar enough to potstickers.

—Christine Gallary

Now fold over and crimp the edges of each gyoza together for a decorative look.

—Eric Akis

Smoked crawfish quesadillas and pork gyozas with sesame ginger sauce are two of the available appetizers.

—Sara Fludd

compare pot sticker, wonton

Examples of gyoza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ramen Hiroshi quickly became the city’s go-to destination for its bowls of noodles in savory, steaming broths and its selection of gyoza, yakitori and other Japanese comfort food. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026

Also on the menu are pasta and udon dishes, nabe, izakaya, gyoza, soft shell crab, chicken karaage and more. —Brock Keeling, Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026

From folding gyoza around the dinner table, to peeling and eating a dozen grapes per Cuban tradition, to beating old pots through the neighborhood, five writers share their favorite year-end traditions. —Monitor Contributors, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Dec. 2025

The chef has included a number of dishes meant to be shared, such as gyoza, popular Japanese dumplings. —Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Japanese gyōza, probably borrowed from Chinese (Northern Chinese dialect of Hebei and Shandong) giǎoze "dumpling" (Standard Chinese jiǎozi)

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above