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Definition of ortolan

ortolan

/ˈɔːr.tə.lən/
or · to · lan
Plural:ortolans
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ortolan Lexical Profile

ortolan Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small European songbird of the bunting family (Emberiza hortulana), traditionally prized in French gastronomy as a highly controversial and decadent delicacy.

Example

"In traditional French culinary history, the ortolan was roasted and consumed whole, often with diners draping a napkin over their heads to capture the aromas and hide their faces from God."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ortolan

• Nearby Words

orthotic
orthotics
orthrosanthus
ortolan
oryx
orzo
osage copperhead

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into English in the mid-17th century from French 'ortolan', from Old Occitan 'ortolan' (gardener), derived from Latin 'hortulanus' (gardener), from 'hortus' (garden). The bird was named for its habit of frequenting orchards and gardens.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ortolan. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ortolan
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