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dish

/dɪʃ/

When referring to food, "dish" can be used as a countable noun (e.g., "three different dishes"). In the context of gossip, the phrase "dish the dirt" is informal and commonly used in casual conversation. As a verb meaning to serve food, it is often followed by the preposition "out" (e.g., "dishing out portions"), though this can also be used metaphorically to mean giving out criticism or punishment.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is procrastinating on an essay in the library.
Chloe Smith

I just saw Sarah and Mark fighting. You need to let me dish.

Chloe Smith
Maya
Maya

Stop slacking off and finish your paper first.

💡
Chloe uses 'dish' as a verb meaning to reveal gossip. Maya, acting as the 'mom' of the group, gives Chloe a reality check by telling her to stop procrastinating ('slacking off') on her schoolwork.

Meanings

noun

A shallow container used for cooking, serving, or eating food.

"She placed the salad in a large ceramic dish."

noun

A particular variety or preparation of food.

"Paella is a traditional Spanish dish."

verb (transitive)

To serve food from a bowl or larger container onto plates.

"He began to dish the pasta into individual bowls."

verb (transitive)

To reveal gossip or private information about someone.

"They spent the entire afternoon dishing the dirt on their former boss."

Examples

Pass me that blue dish for the olives, please.

I honestly think this is my favorite dish on the menu!

Can you just dish the rice into these bowls already?

Come on, spill it! Just dish the dirt on him!

Who left this greasy dish in the sink again?!

Wait, is this dish supposed to taste this salty?

I'll just dish out the portions for everyone now.

Is that a traditional family dish, or something new?

Related Words

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error