moussaka

noun

mous·​sa·​ka mü-ˈsä-kə  ˌmü-sä-ˈkä 

variants or less commonly mousaka

: a Middle Eastern dish of ground meat (such as lamb or beef) and sliced eggplant often topped with a seasoned sauce

Examples of moussaka in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other good options are the okra stew, moussaka and a shepherd casserole of lamb sauteed with garlic, onions, fresh herbs and tomatoes. —Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

There’s also a huge Taste of Greece section on the menu, featuring moussaka, pastitsio, souvlaki and more. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2025

Fresh seafood, traditional moussaka, and lamb kleftiko combine with stunning decor to create an idyllic escape while at sea. —Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

Lazarou’s moussaka, made with shrimp instead of the traditional lamb, was light and aromatic; a risotto of brown orzo with Greek cheese, chili pepper, and wine from the nearby island of Lemnos was somehow both wholesome and indulgent. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Modern Greek mousakas, from Turkish musakka, from dialect Arabic (Egypt) musaggaʽa, literally, chilled

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for moussaka

• jataka
• kabaka
• kanaka
• macaca
• resaca
• baka
• paca

Kids Definition

moussaka

noun

mous·​sa·​ka ˌmü-sə-ˈkä 

: a Middle Eastern dish of ground meat (as lamb or beef) and sliced eggplant often topped with a seasoned sauce

Etymology

from modern Greek mousakas "moussaka"