Cajun

1 of 2

noun

Ca·​jun ˈkā-jən How to pronounce Cajun (audio)
variants or less commonly Cajan
: a Louisianian descended from French-speaking immigrants from Acadia

Cajun

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Cajuns
2
: of, relating to, or prepared in a style of cooking originating among the Cajuns and characterized by the use of hot seasonings (such as cayenne pepper)

Examples of Cajun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The Bites section consists of eight smaller plates, all priced between $10 and $15, featuring options like New Orleans Cajun Shrimp and Chicken and Biscuits. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025 The acclaimed Cajun/swing outfit is revered for its impressive and passionate performances and for delivering tunes that will put a smile on your face and perhaps a spring in your step. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 31 July 2025 Louisiana has long been renowned for its culinary culture, and while top-tier restaurants abound across Lafayette, history buffs should be sure to book an excursion with Cajun Food Tours for a double dose of Acadiana lore paired with incredible dining. Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025 Within days of receiving requests for bolder flavors, Red Lobster added new spicy, Old Bay Parmesan, and Cajun sausage options to the menu. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for Cajun

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alteration of Acadian

First Known Use

Noun

1868, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Cajun was in 1868

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Cite this Entry

“Cajun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cajun. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

Cajun

1 of 2 noun
Ca·​jun ˈkā-jən How to pronounce Cajun (audio)
: a Louisianian whose ancestors were French-speaking immigrants from Acadia, Canada

Cajun

2 of 2 adjective
1
: of or relating to the Cajuns
2
: prepared in a cooking style originating with the Cajuns and marked by the use of hot seasonings (as cayenne pepper)
Etymology

Noun

from an altered form of Acadian

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