grits

[grits]

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. Also called hominy grits. (especially in Southern cooking) coarsely ground hominy, or white corn, boiled to a thick consistency and then sometimes fried, eaten as a breakfast dish or as a side dish with meat.

2. grain hulled and coarsely ground.

grits

/ ɡrɪts /

plural noun

1. hulled and coarsely ground grain

2. See hominy grits

Word History and Origins

Origin of grits¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English grut(t)a, gryttes (plural) “coarse meal, bran,” Old English gryt(t) “dust, meal”; cognate with German Grütze

Word History and Origins

Origin of grits¹

Old English grytt; related to Old High German gruzzi; see _great , _grit

Example Sentences

That week, they were going on a surf-and-turf version of shrimp and grits: steak tips, seared shrimp, a lake of cheesy grits and, right on top, a tangle of sweet-savory onions.

From Salon

One of my favorite lazy breakfasts, picked up from childhood summers in the Carolinas, was a bowl of cheesy grits topped with tomato gravy and a lush, freshly burst egg yolk.

From Salon

He loves incorporating greens and, as a Southerner, grits.

From Salon

Like grits, greens and biscuits, gravy is a Southern staple born out of necessity, of making the best out of very little.

From Salon

Dig into tamale waffles, topped with shredded beef and two eggs or rich, cheesy shrimp and grits.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• gruel 
• oatmeal 
• polenta