Bouillon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bouillon

[ˈbuːjɒn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food

A clear, seasoned broth made by simmering meat, fish, or vegetables in water and used as a base for soups, sauces, and other dishes.

Synonyms

broth, soup base, stock.

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Word Description / Examples
bouillon

Commonly used to refer to a clear, seasoned broth made from simmering meat, vegetables, and seasonings. It is often used as a base for soups or sauces and is typically served as a light starter.

  • She sipped the chicken bouillon to warm herself up on a cold day.
  • The French restaurant offered a delicate vegetable bouillon as the first course.
broth

A general term for a liquid in which meat, fish, or vegetables have been cooked. Broth can be drunk on its own, used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, or as a cooking liquid for grains like rice or quinoa.

  • He made a hearty beef broth to use in his stew.
  • Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and let it simmer for an hour.
stock

A rich, flavorful liquid made by simmering bones, meat, and/or vegetables, often used as a foundational ingredient in cooking. Stock is typically more concentrated and less clear than bouillon or broth, providing a deeper flavor profile to dishes.

  • The chef recommended using homemade chicken stock for the best flavor in the risotto.
  • She always keeps beef stock on hand to enhance her sauces and soups.
soup base

A concentrated preparation, sometimes in powder or paste form, used to quickly create a flavorful soup. It is convenient for adding rich taste to dishes without the longer preparation time of making broth or stock from scratch.

  • She added a tablespoon of chicken soup base to her noodles for extra flavor.
  • Using vegetable soup base, he quickly whipped up a tasty soup in minutes.

Examples of usage

  • The chef prepared a delicious bouillon for the soup.
  • She added some bouillon cubes to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Translations

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Origin of 'bouillon'

The word 'bouillon' originated from the Old French word 'bouillir', which means 'to boil'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to refer to a clear broth made by boiling meat or vegetables.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,260, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.