What does omelet mean?
An omelet is a dish made from eggs that are beaten, poured into a hot pan, and cooked until set. It may be served plain, folded over, or filled with ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, herbs, meat, or seafood. The word is used in everyday cooking, restaurant menus, and descriptions of breakfast or light meals. Omelet is especially common in American English, while the spelling omelette is more frequent in British English, but both refer to the same basic preparation and are widely understood. An omelet is distinct from an omelette only in spelling, not in meaning. The dish is valued for its simplicity and versatility: a well-made plain omelet can highlight the taste and texture of the eggs, while filled versions function as a complete meal. Its name reflects its history in French and ultimately Latin, where ovum means “egg,” the same root found in words such as ovary and ovule.
nounA dish made from beaten eggs, usually cooked in a thin layer and folded or served plain, often with a filling such as cheese, herbs, or vegetables. The word also refers to the finished egg dish itself.
- A dish of beaten eggs cooked in a thin layer and served plain, folded, or filled.
"She served a light omelet filled with spinach and feta for breakfast."
"The omelet was folded around smoked cheese and fresh herbs."
"A simple plain omelet lets the flavor and texture of the eggs take center stage."
The standard American plural is omelets; the British spelling uses omelettes, with plural omelettes.
"The kitchen served omelets with herbs, cheese, and sautéed vegetables."
The name omelet reaches back through French to Latin ovum, meaning “egg”—the same root that gives us ovule and ovary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does omelet come from?
The English word entered from French omelette in the eighteenth century. French forms of the word developed through a diminutive associated with a “little egg,” ultimately tracing back to Latin ovum, meaning “egg.” The same Latin root also lies behind English words including ovary, ovule, and ovate.
How omelet is actually used
Omelet is the usual spelling in American English, whereas omelette is more typical in British English, though both forms are understood throughout the English-speaking world. The word is generally neutral and commonly used for both home cooking and restaurant dishes.
Easily confused with omelet
Omelet and omelette are spelling variants of the same dish; omelet is especially common in American English, while omelette is especially common in British English.