wok

/wɒk/ Chinese Origin Food & Drink

Original Word

镬

Cantonese (wok)

Entered English

1950s

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "wok"

From Cantonese 'wok' (镬), a versatile round-bottomed cooking vessel used throughout China. The word entered English through Chinese cookbooks and restaurants in the 20th century.

Example Usage

"Stir-fry the vegetables in a hot wok with some oil."

All Chinese Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

More Chinese Loanwords

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