souvlaki

noun

sou·​vla·​ki süv-ˈlä-kē How to pronounce souvlaki (audio)
variants or less commonly souvlakia

Examples of souvlaki 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 staff is brisk, used to locals ordering with a shorthand as precise as Philly cheesesteak lingo, and the souvlaki itself is unlike anywhere else in Athens—simple, spicy, smoky, and closer to kebab than the standard style. Katherine Whittaker, Saveur, 9 Oct. 2025 The quick-service restaurants specialize in Greek/Mediterranean dishes including gyros, souvlaki, bowls, salads, soups, desserts and more. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Oct. 2025 Like sheet-pan chicken souvlaki and summer berry stovetop crisp. Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Aug. 2025 The restaurant serves gyros and pitas, salads, bowls, souvlaki and more. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for souvlaki

Word History

Etymology

Modern Greek soublakia, plural of soublaki, from diminutive of soubla skewer, from Middle Greek, from Latin subula awl, from suere to sew — more at sew

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of souvlaki was in 1942

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Souvlaki.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/souvlaki. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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