mirliton: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized/Regional
Quick answer
What does “mirliton” mean?
A small, pear-shaped, green vegetable with edible skin and flesh, also known as chayote.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, pear-shaped, green vegetable with edible skin and flesh, also known as chayote.
A term also used historically for a simple reed instrument or kazoo, and regionally for various objects including a type of pastry or a hat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is extremely rare in British English. In American English, it is primarily used in the Southern and Gulf Coast regions (e.g., Louisiana) to refer to the chayote vegetable.
Connotations
In US regional usage, it carries connotations of Southern/Creole/Cajun cuisine. In other contexts, it may be perceived as an obscure or historical word.
Frequency
Virtually unused in everyday British English. Low frequency in general American English, but recognized in specific culinary and cultural regions.
Grammar
How to Use “mirliton” in a Sentence
[verb] a mirliton (e.g., peel, stuff, slice)mirliton [verb] (e.g., mirlitons grow)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mirliton” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- The mirliton casserole is a Thanksgiving staple in some families.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except potentially in specialty food import/export.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical musicology texts or anthropological studies of regional cultures.
Everyday
Limited to specific regional dialects, mainly in culinary contexts.
Technical
In botany/horticulture, 'chayote' (Sechium edule) is the standard term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mirliton”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mirliton”
- Misspelling as 'mirlitonn' or 'merliton'.
- Assuming it is a common term outside specific regions.
- Confusing the vegetable and musical instrument meanings.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. It is primarily used in specific regional dialects of American English, particularly in Louisiana and the Gulf South.
There is no difference. 'Mirliton' is a regional name for the vegetable more widely known as 'chayote'.
Yes, historically it referred to a simple reed instrument (similar to a kazoo). This usage is now archaic.
Use it as a countable noun, typically in a culinary context: 'We grew mirlitons in our garden this year.'
A small, pear-shaped, green vegetable with edible skin and flesh, also known as chayote.
Mirliton is usually specialized/regional in register.
Mirliton: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɜː.lɪ.tɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɝː.lɪ.tɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MIRror-LIT-up-ON' a pear-shaped vegetable. The shiny, smooth skin of a mirliton can look like a lit-up mirror.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND CONTAINER (for the instrument sense); PEAR-SHAPED CONTAINER (for the vegetable sense).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern meaning of 'mirliton' in American English?