spareribs

plural noun

spare·​ribs ˈsper-ˌ(r)ibz How to pronounce spareribs (audio)
-əbz
: a cut of pork ribs separated from the bacon strip

Examples of spareribs in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Come for the mochiko chicken or the saimin broth studded with pork spareribs. — Lauren Joseph, Bon Appétit, 12 Oct. 2022 Visitors came from near and far to sample traditional dishes like hot and sour soup, large housemade crispy egg rolls, pork spareribs, fried wontons, Mongolian beef, and fresh whole Mandarin fish. — Megha McSwain, Chron, 2 Aug. 2022 Better yet, grab a spot on the outdoor patio and pair your beers with beef tri-tip or pork spareribs from neighboring Soulbelly BBQ, which was opened this spring by Top Chef contestant Bruce Kalman. — Danielle Bauter, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2021 Tex Mex BBQ has a privileged position near section 137 offering grass-fed natural Angus beef brisket tacos and Berkshire pork spareribs, among other rotating specials. — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 17 June 2021 See All Example Sentences for spareribs

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from Low German ribbesper pickled pork ribs roasted on a spit, from Middle Low German, from ribbe rib + sper spear, spit

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spareribs was in 1596

Rhymes for spareribs

See All Rhymes for spareribs

Browse Nearby Words

spare part
spareribs
spare-set
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spareribs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spareribs. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spareribs

plural noun
spare·​ribs ˈspa(ə)r-ˌ(r)ibz How to pronounce spareribs (audio)
ˈspe(ə)r-
: a cut of pork ribs separated from the bacon strips
Etymology

derived from a German dialect word ribbesper "pickled pork ribs roasted on a spit," derived from ribbe "rib" and sper "spear, spit"; probably spelled spareribs in English because of the misunderstanding of the meaning of the German word sper

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