gyro
A gyro is a Greek dish consisting of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, typically served wrapped or stuffed in pita bread along with ingredients such as tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce. Imagine a large, rotating cone of seasoned meat being thinly shaved off by a chef to create a warm, savory handheld meal. The word is commonly used in casual settings when discussing fast food or Greek cuisine. Note that while the Greek pronunciation often sounds like "yee-ro," it is very common in American English to hear it pronounced with a hard "g" sound as in "guy-ro." It is almost exclusively used to refer to the food item itself.
In conversation
Ordering at a food truck
I'll have a lamb gyro, please.
I'll have a lamb gyro, please.
Sure thing! Do you want extra tzatziki on that?
Sure thing! Do you want extra tzatziki on that?
Mentioning the type of meat is a standard way to order.
Deciding on lunch
I'm starving. Should we grab gyros?
I'm starving. Should we grab gyros?
That sounds perfect, I love the place on 5th Street.
That sounds perfect, I love the place on 5th Street.
Using the plural 'gyros' when suggesting a meal for multiple people.
Examples
I ordered a chicken gyro for lunch.
I ordered a chicken gyro for lunch.
The local Greek restaurant serves the most authentic gyros in the city.
The local Greek restaurant serves the most authentic gyros in the city.
He expertly carved the seasoned meat from the vertical spit to assemble the perfect gyro.
He expertly carved the seasoned meat from the vertical spit to assemble the perfect gyro.
