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

Her students gather around stainless steel counters, learning to build layers of flavor in jambalaya while Lavigne weaves together technique and history, personal narrative and cultural preservation. —Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

The jambalaya is soulful, and the shrimp po'boy is massive. —Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025

Known for its jambalaya, po'boys, gumbo, and daily changing specials, the restaurant has quickly become an Austin favorite. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

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

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