What does giblet mean?
A giblet is an edible internal organ or portion of a bird, with the heart, liver, and gizzard being common examples. The word is especially associated with poultry and game birds such as ducks and geese, and “giblets” is often used collectively for a mixture of these parts. In British and American cooking, giblets may be browned, sautéed, simmered in stock, or prepared as giblet gravy. The word can also designate the gizzard specifically, which explains why giblet is sometimes confused with that organ. Although its literal meaning focuses on anatomy, it has a pleasantly old-fashioned culinary character that gives familiar dishes and shop-menu descriptions a traditional tone. Historically, giblet developed through an Old French word that itself meant a gizzard or the entrails of a bird. Today it remains useful chiefly in food-related contexts, where it distinguishes particular edible bird parts from ordinary meat.
nounAn edible internal organ or small portion of a bird, especially the heart, liver, or gizzard. The term is also used collectively for such parts, particularly those of poultry, ducks, or geese.
- An edible internal organ or small portion of a bird, especially the heart, liver, or gizzard; collectively, the edible organs of poultry or game birds.
"He browned the giblet before adding it to the stew."
"She sautéed the chicken giblets with garlic and parsley."
"The giblet was simmered until tender and served with the rest of the bird."
The plural is standard and is commonly used collectively for the edible organs of a bird.
"She served the giblets with bread and a rich brown gravy."
From gizzard to giblet gravy, this word turns a bird's humble innards into a savory feast.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does giblet come from?
Giblet entered Middle English through Anglo-French gibelet, a diminutive of Old French gibe, meaning “gizzard” or bird entrails. The French cognate gibelet survives in modern French, while gizzard is an English cognate with a related history. The development reflects the word's long association with the edible organs of birds.
Related word forms
How giblet is actually used
This is chiefly a culinary term. The plural is much more common, either for several organs or for the organs collectively; singular usage usually refers to one organ or portion.
Easily confused with giblet
A gizzard is one particular organ in a bird's digestive system, whereas a giblet may refer to that organ or collectively to parts such as the heart, liver, and gizzard.