jambalaya

noun

jam·​ba·​laya ˌjəm-bə-ˈlī-ə 

1

: rice cooked usually with ham, sausage, chicken, shrimp, or oysters and seasoned with herbs

2

: a mixture of diverse elements

curious jambalayas of competing elements

—Neil Hickey

Synonyms

• medley
• variety
• jumble
• assortment
• collage
• gumbo

Examples of jambalaya in a Sentence

its jambalaya of widely diverse nationalities and races gives the urban neighborhood a rich vitality

Recent Examples on the Web

What is the recipe for U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul's wife Linda's Thanksgiving jambalaya? —Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman, 26 Nov. 2024

The jambalaya is a standout, loaded with chicken and sausage. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 May 2025

Alongside his mother and brother, Lee has created a delicious menu anchored by fan favorites: fried salmon, fried teriyaki brussels sprouts, crawfish mac and cheese, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 15 Apr. 2025

Swap out rice for barley in recipes like jambalaya and risotto. —Kathi Valeii Published, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Louisiana French, from Occitan jambalaia

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for jambalaya

• jeremiah
• nehemiah
• obadiah
• zechariah
• zephaniah
• gaia
• maia
• maya
• playa
• via
• messiah
• nyaya

Kids Definition

jambalaya

noun

jam·​ba·​laya ˌjəm-bə-ˈlī-ə 

: rice cooked with ham, sausage, chicken, shrimps, or oysters and seasoned with herbs