Chowder

/ˈʧaʊdər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A thick, creamy soup made with milk, butter, and various ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, or corn.
We enjoyed a bowl of clam chowder while waiting for our table at the seafood restaurant.
A soup or stew often made with fish, shellfish, and vegetables, typically thickened with milk or cream.
The chef's special was a delicious lobster chowder that warmed us up on a chilly day.
Any thick soup or stew; often associated with hearty, filling meals.
She prepared a hearty chowder for the family gathering, using potatoes and fresh herbs.

Etymology

From French 'chaudière,' meaning 'cauldron' or 'cooking pot.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

chowderhead
A foolish or incompetent person.

Related Words

bisque
A smooth, creamy, highly seasoned soup, typically made from shellfish.
soup
A liquid dish, typically savory and made by boiling ingredients in stock or water.
stew
A dish of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in liquid.

Slang Meanings

Referring to something that is mixed or a hodgepodge.
His ideas were a real chowder, hard to make sense of!
Used to describe a confused state or situation.
The meeting ended up being a chowder of opinions without any clear decisions.