roux

noun

plural roux ˈrüz How to pronounce roux (audio)
: a cooked mixture of flour and fat used as a thickening agent in a soup or a sauce

Examples of roux in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This untraditional gumbo recipe is thickened with okra instead of a roux. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2026 Scallions, garlic and red pepper flakes go in next, lending pep, before broth is added to thin the roux out into a gravy. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026 It’s simmered in a pot with shrimp, crab, smoky sausage and a secret blend of spices in a dark roux. Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026 The roux is what creates the thick, creamy structure the gratin needs. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 1 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for roux

Word History

Etymology

French, from beurre roux brown butter

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of roux was in 1793

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Roux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roux. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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