NYT Dictionary

PAVLOVA

/pɛvˈlɐʉvə/
NounPAV-lo-vapav-lo-va · 3 syllablesCollege

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2022, 2025

Meaning

A meringue dessert usually topped with fruit and cream.

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

From the surname Pavlova, from Russian Па́влова (Pávlova), feminine form of Па́влов (Pávlov), named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova (1881–1931). Australia/New Zealand from circa 1930. Both nations lay claim to origination of the dish and the name. According to research undertaken by the Oxford English Dictionary, however, the earliest known attestation for the term is from New Zealand in 1927.

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle:

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