Beignet
//bɛnˈjeɪ// noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A fritter (with a fruit or vegetable filling). UK
- 2 a deep-fried, yeast-raised doughnut dusted with confectioners' sugar wordnet
- 3 A Louisiana-style fried doughnut or fritter covered in powdered sugar. US
"We sat in a New Orleans cafe eating beignets and sipping cappuccinos."
Example
More examples"Both the Spanish and the French had a major influence on New Orleans cuisine, but it was the French settlers who introduced the beignet. The square pastry is fried dough that has been sprinkled with powdered sugar. Quite like an American doughnut, but less filling. Locals enjoy the delicacy with cafe au lait, or coffee with steamed milk."
Etymology
Borrowed from French beignet, ultimately of Frankish origin.
Related phrases
More for "beignet"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.