shawarma

noun

sha·​war·​ma shä-ˈwȯr-mə How to pronounce shawarma (audio) ˈshwȯr-mə How to pronounce shawarma (audio)
: a sandwich especially of sliced lamb or chicken, vegetables, and often tahini wrapped in pita bread

Examples of shawarma 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.
Basmati rice is often used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines, and used in flavorful curries, tandoori dishes, and biryani, or paired with kebabs, shawarma, or stews. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 11 May 2025 From Jerusalem Cafe: falafel, shawarma, tabouli and more. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2025 Zoom in: The menu includes shawarma and kafta wraps ($12), falafel wraps ($11), cheese rolls ($6), and baklava ($2). Linh Ta, Axios, 17 Apr. 2025 The most popular menu items here include the chicken shawarma sandwich, hummus, falafel, basmati rice, lamb kebab platter, garlic labneh and spicy potato dishes. Alexandra Maloney, Charlotte Observer, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shawarma

Word History

Etymology

Levantine Arabic shāwurma sliced lamb on a skewer, from Turkish çevirme, literally, turn, rotation, from çevir- turn

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shawarma was in 1953

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shawarma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shawarma. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

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!