shawarma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Neutral to informal; common in culinary/food contexts.
Quick answer
What does “shawarma” mean?
A Middle Eastern dish of thinly sliced meat, typically lamb, chicken, beef, or veal, stacked in a cone-like shape on a vertical rotisserie, roasted slowly, and shaved off for serving.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Middle Eastern dish of thinly sliced meat, typically lamb, chicken, beef, or veal, stacked in a cone-like shape on a vertical rotisserie, roasted slowly, and shaved off for serving.
Often served in a wrap or pita with vegetables, tahini or garlic sauce, and other toppings. By extension, it can refer to the style of cooking or the specific preparation of the meat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. In the US, it is often directly associated with Middle Eastern fast food. In the UK, due to historical immigration patterns, 'shawarma' might be more commonly found in specific urban areas, but 'kebab' is a broader, more frequent term for similar street food.
Connotations
Connotes Middle Eastern or Levantine cuisine. In the US, it may carry an association with trendy or authentic ethnic food trucks/restaurants. In the UK, it might be part of the broader 'late-night kebab' scene.
Frequency
Moderately frequent in both, but significantly less common than generic terms like 'kebab' or 'wrap'. Usage is increasing with the global popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Grammar
How to Use “shawarma” in a Sentence
[to eat/have/order] + a shawarma[to make/prepare/serve] + shawarma[a plate/wrap/pita] + of shawarma[chicken/lamb/beef] + shawarmaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shawarma” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chef will shawarma the lamb for hours on the vertical grill.
American English
- They shawarma the beef with a special blend of spices.
adverb
British English
- [Rare/Non-standard]
American English
- [Rare/Non-standard]
adjective
British English
- It was a proper shawarma joint, open late.
American English
- We got some shawarma sauce to go with the fries.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of restaurant menus, food industry trends, or franchise development.
Academic
Rare, except in cultural, anthropological, or culinary studies discussing foodways and globalization.
Everyday
Common when discussing takeaway food, lunch options, or describing a meal.
Technical
Used in culinary arts to describe a specific cooking technique involving a vertical rotisserie and specific spice blends.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shawarma”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shawarma”
- Misspelling: 'shwarma', 'shawerma', 'chawarma'.
- Mispronunciation: /ʃɑːˈwɑːmə/ (placing primary stress on the first syllable).
- Using it as a countable noun for the meat itself (e.g., 'three shawarmas') is acceptable informally, but 'three shawarma wraps' or 'portions of shawarma' is more precise.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are all similar dishes of rotisserie meat. 'Shawarma' is the Arabic term, typically seasoned with Middle Eastern spices. 'Doner kebab' is the Turkish term, widespread in Europe. 'Gyro' is the Greek term, often seasoned with oregano and served with tzatziki. The preparation and accompaniments vary by region.
It can be used both ways. Uncountable when referring to the meat/food substance ('I love shawarma'). Countable when referring to a single serving or item ('We ordered two shawarmas' or 'two shawarma wraps').
In British English: /ʃəˈwɑː.mə/ (shuh-WAR-muh). In American English: /ʃəˈwɑːr.mə/ (shuh-WAR-muh), with a slightly more pronounced 'r' sound.
While traditionally a meat dish, many modern restaurants offer 'vegetable shawarma' or 'falafel shawarma' using the same spices and cooking style applied to vegetables or chickpea patties, served in the same manner.
A Middle Eastern dish of thinly sliced meat, typically lamb, chicken, beef, or veal, stacked in a cone-like shape on a vertical rotisserie, roasted slowly, and shaved off for serving.
Shawarma is usually neutral to informal; common in culinary/food contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none specific to the word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SHARe a WARM pita with shawarma.'
Conceptual Metaphor
A CULINARY JOURNEY / A TASTE OF CULTURE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY cooking method for traditional shawarma?