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

There are also hand rolls, sashimi, gyoza and sweet marinated short ribs on El Pez’s menu. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025

In addition to the myriad of options on the standard menu, guests in the know will sometimes order dishes like kimchi pork belly, which is stir-fried and topped with fresh green onions; or pork gyoza, crispy dumplings served with tangy soy, vinegar, and chili garlic dipping sauce. —Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025

Nibbles range from rich pork terrine to bright lemongrass gyoza. —Kim Kay, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2025

The shawarma gyoza is perfectly spiced and the spicy tuna crispy rice is fresh and addicting. —Constance Ogle, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 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