giblets: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2specialised / culinary
Quick answer
What does “giblets” mean?
The internal organs and other trimmings (such as the neck, heart, liver, gizzard) of a bird, especially a chicken or turkey, that are often removed before cooking or used separately to make gravy, stuffing, or stock.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The internal organs and other trimmings (such as the neck, heart, liver, gizzard) of a bird, especially a chicken or turkey, that are often removed before cooking or used separately to make gravy, stuffing, or stock.
Metaphorically or humorously, can refer to the internal workings or essential parts of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The term is common in both culinary traditions. Giblet gravy is a traditional component of roast turkey dinners in both cultures.
Connotations
Neutral culinary term. Can have a slightly old-fashioned or rustic feel.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency. Almost exclusively used in the context of preparing poultry. More common around holiday cooking times (e.g., Christmas, Thanksgiving).
Grammar
How to Use “giblets” in a Sentence
The giblets are [verb past participle] (removed, used, simmered)[verb] the giblets (to make, for, in)giblets [verb] (include, consist of)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “giblets” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The giblet gravy was simmering on the hob.
- She made a rich giblet stock for the soup.
American English
- The giblet gravy was simmering on the stovetop.
- He prefers giblet dressing to the boxed kind.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, except in specific historical, anthropological, or culinary studies.
Everyday
Used in the context of cooking poultry, especially during holiday meal preparation.
Technical
Standard culinary term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “giblets”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “giblets”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “giblets”
- Using 'giblets' as a singular noun (e.g., 'a giblet').
- Confusing 'giblets' with 'gizzards' (gizzard is one specific part of the giblets).
- Misspelling as 'gibblets'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, giblets are edible and are often used to add flavour to gravy, stock, or stuffing. The liver, heart, and gizzard are commonly consumed.
They are usually placed in a small paper or plastic bag inside the main cavity of the bird. Always check before cooking.
Yes, they can be cooked separately—fried, sautéed, or stewed. Chicken livers, for example, are often used in pâtés.
'Offal' is a broad term for the internal organs and entrails of any butchered animal. 'Giblets' is a specific term for the edible offal of poultry (neck, heart, liver, gizzard).
The internal organs and other trimmings (such as the neck, heart, liver, gizzard) of a bird, especially a chicken or turkey, that are often removed before cooking or used separately to make gravy, stuffing, or stock.
Giblets is usually specialised / culinary in register.
Giblets: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒɪblɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒɪblɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is somewhat idiomatic in extended use.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GIBLets' are the bits you GIB (give) to the stockpot or gravy.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MACHINE (extended use): "After the crash, the car's giblets were strewn across the road."
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically considered part of the giblets?