almond: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “almond” mean?
The oval nut-like seed/kernel of the almond tree, used as food and to produce oil.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The oval nut-like seed/kernel of the almond tree, used as food and to produce oil.
The deciduous tree (Prunus dulcis) that produces this nut; a light beige colour resembling the nut's pale interior.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'almond' for the nut, tree, and colour. 'Almond milk' and 'almond butter' are common in both varieties.
Connotations
Associated with health, baking, and Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine in both cultures.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US English due to marketing of almond-based products (e.g., almond milk).
Grammar
How to Use “almond” in a Sentence
grow almondseat an almondcrush almondsflavour with almondsprinkle with almondsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “almond” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She painted the room a soft almond white.
- The cake had a delicate almond flavour.
American English
- He chose an almond-colored suit for the wedding.
- The frosting was almond-flavored.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In agribusiness, food production, and marketing (e.g., 'almond yield', 'almond exports').
Academic
In botany, nutrition science, and culinary studies.
Everyday
In cooking, shopping, and discussions about diet/food preferences.
Technical
In horticulture (cultivar names) and food science (oil composition).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “almond”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “almond”
- Mispronouncing the 'l' (saying /ˈælmɒnd/ clearly in contexts where the silent 'l' is standard).
- Confusing 'almond' (the nut) with 'apricot kernel' (which resembles it).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In British English and some US dialects, the 'l' is silent (/ˈɑːmənd/). In other US dialects, the 'l' is pronounced (/ˈælmənd/). Both are considered standard.
Almond flour is typically made from blanched (skinless) almonds and ground more finely. Ground almonds often include the skin and have a coarser texture.
Yes, 'almond' describes a pale, creamy beige colour, similar to the inside of a blanched almond.
Botanically, almonds are the seeds of a drupe (a stone fruit), but in culinary and common usage, they are classified as nuts.
The oval nut-like seed/kernel of the almond tree, used as food and to produce oil.
Almond is usually neutral in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “eyes like almonds (describing shape)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ALL' loved 'MOND'ay treats - many contain almonds.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALTH IS AN ALMOND (due to its nutritional profile). SHAPE IS ALMOND (for eyes).
Practice
Quiz
What is a common characteristic associated with the shape of 'almond'?