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 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 Shop Sherry Vinegar Ratatouille Salad This recipe brings a whole new meaning to ratatouille — and salads, for that matter. Elizabeth Berry, Woman's Day, 7 Apr. 2023 Roasted monkfish with red wine quinoa, ratatouille vegetables and squid ink tempura at Metacom Kitchen. Andrea E. McHugh, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Apr. 2023 And yes, the ratatouille is adeptly plated. Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2023 Spoon ratatouille into pie crust until ¾ full. Beth Segal, cleveland, 23 June 2020 Visitors can attend regular performances by the singer Sébastien Agius, push a button for Champagne during afternoon tea and sample the menu charmingly illustrated by Hall and featuring classic French dishes, including ratatouille and escargot. Caitlin Kelly Ella Riley-Adams Megan O’Sullivan Arden Fanning Andrews Angela Koh Zoe Ruffner, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2023 Some of her favorite recipes that she’s learned during the class include a ratatouille and sautéing vegetables. Brittany McGee, ajc, 27 Mar. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ratatouille.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 Mar. 2024.

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