chicory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “chicory” mean?
A perennial plant (Cichorium intybus) with bright blue flowers, whose leaves can be eaten as a salad green and whose root can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute or additive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A perennial plant (Cichorium intybus) with bright blue flowers, whose leaves can be eaten as a salad green and whose root can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute or additive.
Often refers specifically to the salad green, especially when grown for its leaves (typically forced and blanched to reduce bitterness), or to the roasted root product used in beverages.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'chicory' often refers to a forced, blanched, bullet-shaped vegetable with pale, bitter leaves, also known as 'Belgian endive' or 'witloof' in other markets. In the US, this same vegetable is more commonly called 'endive' or 'Belgian endive', while 'chicory' more frequently denotes the leafy green salad plant (curly endive/frisée) or the roasted root for coffee.
Connotations
UK: Often associated with a specific, slightly bitter, forced vegetable. US: Broader association with salad greens, coffee extenders, and Southern US cuisine (as in New Orleans-style coffee blends).
Frequency
More frequent in culinary, gardening, and specialty food contexts in both varieties. General everyday frequency is low.
Grammar
How to Use “chicory” in a Sentence
grow chicoryroast chicoryuse chicory in/as [something]mix chicory with [coffee]serve chicory with [dressing]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chicory” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The farmer decided to chicory a section of his field this season. (Note: 'to chicory' as a verb is extremely rare and non-standard).
American English
- (No standard verb use).
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjective use. 'Chicory-flavoured' is possible).
American English
- (No standard adjective use. 'Chicory-based' is possible).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the food import/export or specialty coffee industry.
Academic
In botany, horticulture, or culinary history papers.
Everyday
In discussions about salad ingredients, gardening, or coffee preferences.
Technical
In botanical descriptions, agricultural guides, or food science texts discussing inulin (from chicory root).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chicory”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chicory”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chicory”
- Confusing 'chicory' with 'endive' (the terms overlap and reverse between UK/US).
- Misspelling as 'chickory'.
- Using it as a countable noun for leaves (e.g., 'three chicories') – typically non-count.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's complicated due to regional differences. Botanically, they are related but different species. In common usage, the terms 'chicory' and 'endive' are often swapped between British and American English, leading to confusion.
Chicory leaves are notably bitter, especially the greener parts. Roasted chicory root has a deep, woody, slightly bitter flavour reminiscent of coffee but without caffeine.
Historically, it was used as a coffee extender or substitute during shortages (e.g., in war). It adds body, a dark colour, and a distinctive bitter note, which is prized in blends like those from New Orleans.
Chicory root is high in inulin, a prebiotic fibre beneficial for gut health. The leaves are a source of vitamins A and K. However, its bitterness may not appeal to all palates.
A perennial plant (Cichorium intybus) with bright blue flowers, whose leaves can be eaten as a salad green and whose root can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute or additive.
Chicory is usually formal, technical, culinary in register.
Chicory: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʧɪkəri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʧɪkəri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'chicory']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Chicory is a bit tricky; it's a plant, a leaf, AND a coffee thing.'
Conceptual Metaphor
BITTERNESS IS SOPHISTICATION (in culinary contexts).
Practice
Quiz
In UK English, what is typically referred to by the standalone word 'chicory' in a supermarket?