caraway: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “caraway” mean?
A biennial plant (Carum carvi) whose seeds are used as a spice.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A biennial plant (Carum carvi) whose seeds are used as a spice.
The aromatic seeds of the caraway plant, used as a spice, especially in rye bread, cheese, and certain liquors like Kümmel.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. The word is spelled identically.
Connotations
Both varieties associate it primarily with baking (bread, cakes) and certain cheeses. It may have stronger associations with European cuisine for American speakers.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, slightly higher in contexts discussing specific cuisines or baking.
Grammar
How to Use “caraway” in a Sentence
[Noun] with caraway[Verb] caraway into [Noun]sprinkled with carawayVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “caraway” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A caraway-scented loaf sat on the counter.
- The caraway flavour was quite pronounced.
American English
- She bought caraway rye bread.
- It's a caraway-infused cheese.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in food import/export, spice trade, or bakery supply contexts.
Academic
Used in botany, culinary history, or ethnobotany papers.
Everyday
Used in cooking, baking, and discussing food flavours.
Technical
Used in botany (plant family Apiaceae) and food science (as a spice/flavouring agent).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “caraway”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “caraway”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “caraway”
- Misspelling as 'carraway' or 'carraway'. Confusing it with cumin or fennel seeds, which are different spices.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different plants and spices. Caraway (Carum carvi) has a sharper, anise-like flavour, while cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is earthier and warmer. They are not interchangeable in most recipes.
The small, crescent-shaped seeds (which are technically the dried fruits of the plant) are used as the spice. The leaves and roots are edible but rarely used.
In a pinch, aniseeds or fennel seeds can provide a similar licorice-like note, but the flavour profile will not be identical.
Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Whole seeds retain their flavour much longer than pre-ground caraway.
A biennial plant (Carum carvi) whose seeds are used as a spice.
Caraway is usually neutral in register.
Caraway: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkærəweɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkærəweɪ/ or /ˈkɛrəweɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None common; the word is largely literal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CAR driving AWAY with a bag of aromatic seeds in the boot.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLAVOUR IS A COMPONENT (The caraway is a part added to the whole dish).
Practice
Quiz
Caraway seeds are most closely associated with flavouring which of the following?