ratatouille

noun

ra·​ta·​tou·​ille ˌra-ˌta-ˈtwē How to pronounce ratatouille (audio)
ˌrä-ˌtä-,
-ˈtü-ē
: a seasoned stew made of eggplant, tomatoes, green peppers, squash, and sometimes meat

Examples of ratatouille 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.
It can also be lightly coated in olive oil and seasonal herbs and grilled until tender, or included in recipes like ratatouille and casseroles. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 17 Sep. 2024 If using ratatouille as a topping, cut the vegetables smaller and reduce the cooking time. Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 9 Sep. 2024 This stunning side pays aesthetic homage to the classic French dish ratatouille, while the use of potato, zucchini, and tomato earns it the status of an American classic. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 17 July 2023 The child has eaten scallops, ratatouille and pork dumplings — and enjoys trying new things, the father said. Maureen MacKey, Fox News, 18 June 2023 See all Example Sentences for ratatouille 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "dish of chopped food, stew" (18th century), noun derivative crossing ratouiller "to agitate (water), stir, shake" and tatouiller "to shake, beat, handle excessively," both expressive forms of touiller "to stir," going back to Old French tooillier "to agitate, stir up, soil" — more at toil entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ratatouille was circa 1877

Dictionary Entries Near ratatouille

Cite this Entry

“Ratatouille.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratatouille. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!