noun

teriyaki

teh-rih-YAH-kee

Teriyaki (noun) means a Japanese cooking method in which meat or fish is grilled or broiled after being coated in a sweet, glossy soy-based marinade. Example: “She grilled the salmon teriyaki-style, brushing on the glaze as it cooked.”

noun

A Japanese cooking method in which meat or fish is grilled or broiled after being coated in a sweet, glossy soy-based marinade.

"She grilled the salmon teriyaki-style, brushing on the glaze as it cooked."

"The chef explained that teriyaki gets its shine from repeatedly basting the meat while it grills."

The sweet soy sauce marinade or glaze itself, used for dipping or basting.

"He poured extra teriyaki over the rice to soak up the flavor."

"The recipe calls for a homemade teriyaki made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin."

How to use teriyaki

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the Japanese technique of grilling with a sweet soy glaze, or the glaze/sauce used to do it.

Common pairings

teriyaki chicken teriyaki sauce teriyaki-style

Word forms

teriyakis plural

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She grilled the salmon _____-style, brushing on the glaze as it cooked.

Etymology

From Japanese teriyaki, combining teri ("shine, gloss" — from the glaze) and yaki ("to grill or broil").

Origin: Japanese

Rhymes for teriyaki

Aki maki raki saki Zaki khaki Araki Ozaki Iwaki Janaki Devaki Sasaki

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Frequently asked questions

What does “teriyaki” mean?

The word “teriyaki” means a Japanese cooking method in which meat or fish is grilled or broiled after being coated in a sweet, glossy soy-based marinade. In plain terms, either the Japanese technique of grilling with a sweet soy glaze, or the glaze/sauce used to do it.

How do you pronounce “teriyaki”?

“Teriyaki” is pronounced teh-rih-YAH-kee (/ˌtɛ.ɹiˈjɑ.ki/ in IPA).

How do you use “teriyaki” in a sentence?

Here is “teriyaki” used in a sentence: “She grilled the salmon teriyaki-style, brushing on the glaze as it cooked.”

What part of speech is “teriyaki”?

“Teriyaki” is a noun.

Where does the word “teriyaki” come from?

The word “teriyaki” comes from Japanese. From Japanese teriyaki, combining teri ("shine, gloss" — from the glaze) and yaki ("to grill or broil").

How many meanings does “teriyaki” have?

“Teriyaki” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Japanese cooking method in which meat or fish is grilled or broiled after being coated in a sweet, glossy soy-based marinade.

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Vocabulary lists that include teriyaki:

Words with Japanese origins