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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Tripe

Tripe is the edible lining of the stomach of a ruminant animal, especially cattle, sheep, or goats, and is used in many cuisines as offal.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tripe is the edible lining of the stomach of a ruminant animal, especially cattle, sheep, or goats, and is used in many cuisines as offal. In informal English, *tripe* can also mean nonsense or something of little value. It is typically cleaned and cooked slowly in soups, stews, or braised dishes.

Definition

Tripe refers to edible stomach tissue from a ruminant animal. Dictionary and reference sources describe it as a food made from the stomach lining, especially of oxen, cows, sheep, or goats.

Culinary use

Tripe is generally cleaned and cooked slowly because it is tough. It is commonly used in soups, stews, and braised dishes, where it absorbs the flavour of surrounding ingredients.

Types

Sources describe several forms based on the stomach chamber, including honeycomb tripe, blanket tripe, and book tripe. These varieties differ in texture and appearance.

Language meaning

Beyond food, *tripe* is used informally in English to describe speech or writing that is considered nonsense, rubbish, or of poor quality.

Key facts

  • Tripe is the stomach lining of a ruminant animal used as food.
  • It most commonly comes from cattle, but can also come from sheep, goats, and other ruminants.
  • Different stomach chambers produce different textures and are sold under names such as honeycomb tripe and blanket tripe.
  • Tripe is valued in many regional cuisines and is usually cooked by moist-heat methods.
  • In English slang, tripe can mean something worthless, silly, or untrue.
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Canadian context

Tripe is found in multicultural Canadian food traditions and is sold in some Canadian markets and butcher shops as offal used in soups and stews.

Frequently asked questions

What is tripe?
Tripe is the edible lining of the stomach of a ruminant animal, such as a cow, sheep, or goat.
Is tripe meat?
Yes. It is an edible animal product, but it is classified as offal rather than muscle meat.
How is tripe usually cooked?
It is usually cleaned and then cooked slowly, often by boiling, stewing, or braising.
What does tripe mean in informal English?
It can mean nonsense, rubbish, or something considered untrue or of little value.
What are common types of tripe?
Common types include honeycomb tripe, blanket tripe, and book tripe, which come from different stomach chambers.

References

  1. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tripe
    Supports: Definition as stomach tissue used as food; informal meaning as something poor or worthless.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/tripe
    Supports: Tripe as the stomach of a ruminant consumed as food; notes common animal sources and stomach chambers.
  3. Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/tripe
    Supports: Food definition and informal meaning for speech or writing with little value.
  4. Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/tripe
    Supports: Food definition, informal meaning, and etymological note on the word's older senses.
  5. Healthline — https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tripe
    Supports: General preparation methods, texture, and nutritional overview.