rhizoverbBeta
DictionarygritsCorn porridge
noun

grits

GRITS/ɡrɪts/

A dish of coarsely ground corn boiled into a thick porridge.

The spoon lifts a thick portion of creamy grits from the bowl.

A plain ceramic bowl holds thick creamy white corn grits, coarse grain texture visible where a wooden spoon lifts a small portion.
Etymology
gritOld Englishcoarse meal
+sEnglishplural

Old English grytt meant coarse meal: the name points to the ground grain rather than its preparation. The plural became the American name for the corn-based porridge.

In context

SuperfoodEvolution1:01
what is palenta versus grits geographically speaking palenta is a popular Staple in Italy and grits a type of porridge are a traditional dish served in the American South
POLENTA, 11 Commonly Asked Questions

More examples

  • Stir the grits often so they don't stick.
  • This restaurant serves shrimp and grits for dinner.
  • A little milk makes leftover grits creamy again.

Forms

grits

Similar words

polenta
An Italian cornmeal dish, often cooked firm enough to slice.
porridge
A broader term for grains boiled into a soft dish.