kung pao

adjective

ˈkəŋ-ˈpau̇

ˈküŋ-,

ˈku̇ŋ-

: being stir-fried or sometimes deep-fried and served in a spicy hot sauce usually with peanuts

kung pao chicken

Examples of kung pao in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Plan those last couple of barbecues and al fresco gatherings—kung pao chicken kebabs, a miso flank steak salad, and smoky summer corn will satisfy guests. —

Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 1 Aug. 2024 Aromas from its classic dishes of honey walnut prawns, kung pao chicken, an assortment of chow mein and the famous banana cream pie continue to waft from the kitchen. —

Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 For many American Jews, Christmas simply isn’t Christmas without kung pao chicken and afternoon tickets to the latest holiday blockbuster. —

Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2023 The celebration featured a menu that included kung pao cauliflower, citrus salad, roasted chicken, king salmon, a grains bowl and chocolate chip cookies and fruit for dessert. —

Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for kung pao

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kung pao.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Chinese (Beijing) gōng bǎo "palace guardian" in the name of such dishes (as gōng bǎo jī dīng "kung pao diced chicken")

Note: The dish allegedly received its name because it was frequently served to Dīng Bǎozhēn (1820-86), a Qing (Ching) dynasty offical who served as the governor of Sichuan province (1876-86); his unofficial title was gōng bǎo.

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of kung pao was in 1976

See more words from the same year