noun

croquette

kroh-KET

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Croquette (noun) means a small, deep-fried roll or patty of minced cooked food, usually meat, fish or vegetables, often coated in breadcrumbs. Example: “We ordered a plate of crab croquettes as a starter.”

noun

A small, deep-fried roll or patty of minced cooked food, usually meat, fish or vegetables, often coated in breadcrumbs.

"We ordered a plate of crab croquettes as a starter."

"The chef mixed mashed potato and ham to make the croquettes."

"Leftover chicken can be turned into crisp, golden croquettes."

How to use croquette

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small fried roll of minced food with a crunchy coating.

When to use it

It is a neutral word used mainly on menus and in recipes rather than casual conversation.

Memory tip

Do not confuse croquette with croquet, the lawn game; they are spelt and pronounced differently despite looking similar.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

croquet →

Common pairings

chicken croquettes crab croquettes potato croquettes deep-fried croquettes

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “croquette” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

We ordered a plate of crab _____ as a starter.

Etymology

Croquette was borrowed from French croquette, itself formed from the verb croquer, meaning to crunch, with the diminutive ending -ette added. It is closely related to the Japanese korokke and the Dutch kroket, which both came from the same source.

Origin: French

Rhymes for croquette

Bette Vette Yvette burette palette gazette rosette Annette Lynette Colette Lisette Janette

See all rhymes for croquette →

Frequently asked questions

What is a croquette made of?

A croquette is usually made from minced or mashed cooked food such as meat, fish, potato or vegetables, shaped, coated and then deep-fried.

Why is it called a croquette?

The name comes from the French verb croquer, meaning to crunch, referring to the crisp outer coating produced by frying.

Are croquette and kroket the same thing?

They are close relatives; croquette is the French and English form, while kroket is the Dutch word, and both trace back to the same French original.

What is the meaning of croquette?

"croquette" (noun) means a small, deep-fried roll or patty of minced cooked food, usually meat, fish or vegetables, often coated in breadcrumbs.