What does goulash mean?
Goulash is a rich, paprika-seasoned stew or soup associated with Hungarian cuisine, usually containing beef, onions, potatoes, and other vegetables. In everyday English, it can refer either to a traditional Hungarian preparation or to a home or restaurant variation inspired by it. The dish is known for its warm spices and deep red color, and it is commonly served with bread, sour cream, or other accompaniments. Although goulash is broadly related to stews and soups, its defining characteristic is its Hungarian origin and generous use of paprika. The word entered English from Hungarian and has become familiar in British and American cooking. In menus and recipes, the spelling goulash is standard, while gulasch is sometimes encountered in German or Central European contexts.
nounA soup or stew seasoned with paprika and other spices, traditionally made with beef, potatoes, and onions.
- A soup or stew seasoned with paprika and other spices, traditionally made with beef, potatoes, and onions.
"We had a warming bowl of goulash with crusty bread on a cold evening."
"The restaurant serves a rich beef goulash with sour cream."
"She adapted the goulash recipe to include more vegetables and a milder spice blend."
The plural goulashes is standard when referring to multiple servings, examples, or varieties of the dish.
"The buffet offered several goulashes, each with a different spice blend."
Goulash takes its name from the Hungarian word for a herdsman, who traditionally cooked hearty meals for cattle and workers in the field.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does goulash come from?
The English word comes from Hungarian gulyás, meaning both a herdsman and a soup or stew made in the traditional Hungarian style. Its ultimate root is gulya, the Hungarian word for a cow. The dish's name reflects the cooking associated with herdsmen and rural workers in Hungary. English borrowed the term and adapted it to describe paprika-seasoned meat soups and stews.
Related word forms
How goulash is actually used
In English, goulash most commonly refers to the Hungarian-style meat stew or soup, though recipes vary considerably. It is also used more broadly for paprika-seasoned stews influenced by Hungarian cuisine. The word is not usually used for a clear broth.
Easily confused with goulash
Gulasch is a German spelling variant of the same dish, while goulash is the standard English spelling.