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

Rounding out the menu are hot sides (tempura, gyoza, takoyaki, Kura Crispy Fries); cold sides (sashimi, edamame); soups (miso, ramen, udon); and dessert (mochi, taiyaki, sesame balls). —Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026

The Pan-Asian menu includes sushi, sashimi, maki rolls, hand rolls, gyoza, a Wagyu sandwich and katsuya fried chicken. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026

Prepared Frozen Foods Dumplings and gyoza are typically flash-frozen after shaping and should be cooked straight from frozen; thawing softens the wrappers and compromises texture. —Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026

Traditional yatai, or street food stalls, are another easy way to eat well on a budget, offering comforting classics like yakitori, ramen, tempura, and gyoza. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026

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