paella

noun

pa·​el·​la pä-ˈā-yə How to pronounce paella (audio)
-ˈāl-yə
-ˈe-lə
-ˈā-lə How to pronounce paella (audio)
: a saffron-flavored dish containing rice, meat, seafood, and vegetables

Examples of paella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The menu also offers shareable tapas and paellas, interactive tableside dishes and skyline views. Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026 Celebrate the flavors of Spain this Easter season at Macarena in Palo Alto, with special paellas all week leading up to Easter, including the indulgent bone marrow and steak tartare paella. Laura Ness, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026 The most famous paella in town comes from La Zorra. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026 Three new restaurants announced openings last fall, including a sushi spot and a restaurant specializing in Spanish paella. Noelle Alviz-Gransee march 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paella

Word History

Etymology

Catalan, literally, pot, pan, from Middle French paelle, from Latin patella small pan — more at patella

First Known Use

circa 1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paella was circa 1892

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Cite this Entry

“Paella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paella. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

paella

noun
pa·​el·​la pä-ˈel-ə How to pronounce paella (audio) -ˈāl-yə How to pronounce paella (audio)
-ˈā-yə
: a Spanish dish of rice, meat, seafood, vegetables, and spices

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