French word

beignet

Pronunciation

IPA/bɛɲɛ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfritter

Example

Ce beignet est encore chaud.

This fritter is still hot.

Illustration for beignet (fritter)

More examples

J'ai acheté un beignet à la boulangerie ce matin.

I bought a donut at the bakery this morning.

Core concept

One puffed portion of fried dough that can carry either a sweet filling or a savory flavor.

Common phrases

  • manger un beignet

    eat a donut

  • acheter un beignet

    buy a donut

  • un beignet chaud

    a hot donut

Similar words

donut: A ring-shaped or round sweet pastry fried and covered with sugar or icing.
churros: A long, ridged sweet pastry made from piped dough, fried, and dusted with sugar or cinnamon.
boule de Berlin: A round fried pastry containing a filling such as jam or cream.

Definition in French

Portion individuelle de pâte cuite par immersion dans l'huile, de texture croustillante à l'extérieur et moelleuse à l'intérieur, sucrée ou salée.

Word origin

The modern noun beignet comes through Old French beigne, meaning a swelling or lump, as the fried dough rises and expands.

Usage tips

  • The final t is silent, and gn in beignet has the sound heard in French montagne.

Other meanings

  • doughnutnoun

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