pilaf: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1neutral to formal (culinary context), specific
Quick answer
What does “pilaf” mean?
A dish of spiced rice, often with vegetables and meat, cooked in broth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dish of spiced rice, often with vegetables and meat, cooked in broth.
Any dish prepared using the pilaf method, where rice (or another grain like bulgur) is sautéed in oil or butter before being simmered in a seasoned broth until the liquid is absorbed, often containing added ingredients like vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, or meat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'pilaf' is standard in American English. In British English, 'pilau' (derived via Hindi/Urdu) is a common variant, especially for South Asian-style dishes.
Connotations
In the US, 'pilaf' often implies a more generic, possibly Westernized, rice side dish. In the UK, 'pilau' strongly connotes Indian/Pakistani cuisine.
Frequency
Both terms are of medium-low frequency. In the UK, 'pilau' may be slightly more common in contexts relating to Indian takeaways/restaurants.
Grammar
How to Use “pilaf” in a Sentence
[Subject] cooks/prepares [Object: pilaf].[Subject] serves [Object: meat/vegetables] with [Complement: pilaf].[Pilaf] is made from/of [Ingredient: rice, broth].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pilaf” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb form.
American English
- No standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form.
American English
- No standard adjective form.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in the food/hospitality industry (e.g., 'Our catering menu features a seasonal wild mushroom pilaf').
Academic
Used in anthropological, historical, or culinary studies discussing food culture and dissemination (e.g., 'The pilaf cooking method spread across the Silk Road').
Everyday
Used when discussing cooking, ordering food, or describing a meal (e.g., 'What should I make with this chicken? Maybe a pilaf?').
Technical
Used in professional culinary contexts specifying a cooking technique (e.g., 'The key to a good pilaf is toasting the rice before adding the hot stock').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pilaf”
- Misspelling as 'pilaff' or 'pilau' in American contexts.
- Using it as a mass noun incorrectly (e.g., 'a pilaf' is correct, not 'some pilaf' when referring to a serving/dish).
- Pronouncing the 'l' as dark L /ɫ/; it should be a light L /l/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Pilaf involves sautéing rice in fat, then simmering it in a measured amount of broth until absorbed, resulting in separate, fluffy grains. Risotto involves toasting rice and then gradually adding hot broth while constantly stirring, which releases starch and creates a creamy, cohesive dish.
It can be both. It is countable when referring to a type or a serving ('I made two different pilafs,' 'a lamb pilaf'). It is uncountable when referring to the substance ('I ate some pilaf').
Yes, the pilaf method can be applied to other grains like bulgur wheat, orzo, or quinoa. The dish is often still called a 'pilaf' (e.g., 'bulgur pilaf').
The word entered English via Turkish 'pilav', which derives from Persian 'pilaw'. It ultimately has roots in Sanskrit 'pulāka' (meaning 'ball of rice').
A dish of spiced rice, often with vegetables and meat, cooked in broth.
Pilaf is usually neutral to formal (culinary context), specific in register.
Pilaf: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpiː.laʊ/ (for 'pilau'), /ˈpɪl.æf/ (for 'pilaf'), and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpiː.lɑːf/, /pɪˈlɑːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PILAF: Perfectly Infused Lightly Aromatized Food. Think of rice PILed high in A Fancy dish.
Conceptual Metaphor
PILAF IS A CANVAS (for flavours and ingredients).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key distinguishing feature of a pilaf?