tempura

noun

tem·​pu·​ra ˈtem-pə-rə How to pronounce tempura (audio)
-ˌrä;
tem-ˈpu̇r-ə How to pronounce tempura (audio)
: seafood or vegetables dipped in batter and fried in deep fat

Examples of tempura 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.
Bang Bang Shrimp is closer to tempura-style than true popcorn shrimp. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026 Shrimp tempura, soft shell crab, popcorn shrimp, codfish and tuna sticks lacked labels with date and four-hour discard time. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado may 15, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026 Beer batters are similar to tempura batters in makeup but have a distinct, yeasty taste that takes anything from fish to chicken tenders to onion rings over the top. — Martha Stewart, 7 May 2026 At the sushi bar, chefs from Japan take on the task of bringing omakase to a Moroccan audience with classics like veggie tempura, shrimp nigiri, and salmon sashimi. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tempura

Word History

Etymology

Japanese tenpura

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tempura was in 1920

Rhymes for tempura

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Browse Nearby Words

temptress
tempura
tempus
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Cite this Entry

“Tempura.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tempura. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tempura

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tempura

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