oysters Rockefeller

plural noun

oysters Rocke·fel·ler -ˈrä-ki-ˌfe-lər

: a dish of oysters on the half shell cooked with various savory toppings typically including chopped spinach and a seasoned sauce

Word History

Etymology

probably after John D. rockefeller †1937, from the association of his wealth with the richness of the dish

Note: Oysters Rockefeller have traditionally been associated with Antoine's Restaurant in New Orleans; according to the restaurant's website the dish was invented by Jules Alciatore, son of the founder, Antoine Alciatore. It is mentioned (as "Something new at Antoine's / Huitres, a la Rockefeller") in an advertisement for the restaurant in the New Orleans Times-Democrat, October 24, 1909 (see the article on Oysters Rockefeller, May 11, 2018, at www.barrypopik.com).

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of oysters Rockefeller was in 1939

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Oysters Rockefeller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oysters%20Rockefeller. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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