cilantro: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
IntermediateInformal, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “cilantro” mean?
The fresh leaves of the coriander plant, used as a herb.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The fresh leaves of the coriander plant, used as a herb.
The term can also refer broadly to the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum), but this is less common; primary culinary use refers specifically to the leaves.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the fresh herb is called "coriander" or "fresh coriander." "Cilantro" is rarely used and is understood as an Americanism. In American English, "cilantro" is the standard term for the fresh leaves, while "coriander" typically refers to the dried seeds or ground spice.
Connotations
"Cilantro" carries strong connotations of Mexican, Latin American, and Southwestern US cuisines in American English. In British English, the term sounds foreign and specifically American.
Frequency
"Cilantro" is high-frequency in American culinary contexts but low-to-zero frequency in British English. "Coriander" (meaning the leaves) is high-frequency in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “cilantro” in a Sentence
Add [cilantro] to [dish]Garnish with [cilantro]Chop [cilantro] finelyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cilantro” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- cilantro-lime dressing
- cilantro-heavy salsa
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Appears in contexts of food import/export, restaurant supply, and grocery retail.
Academic
Used in botany, culinary arts, and food science papers, often with the Latin name specified.
Everyday
Common in cooking instructions, recipes, restaurant menus, and grocery lists.
Technical
Used in botany (Coriandrum sativum) and food chemistry (analysing flavour compounds like aldehydes).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cilantro”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cilantro”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cilantro”
- Confusing 'cilantro' (leaves) with 'coriander' (seeds) in North American recipes.
- Using 'cilantro' in UK contexts where 'coriander' is expected, causing confusion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes and no. In American English, 'cilantro' refers specifically to the fresh leaves and stems of the Coriandrum sativum plant, while 'coriander' refers to the dried seeds. In British and many other English dialects, 'coriander' refers to both the fresh herb and the seeds.
A genetic variation in olfactory-receptor genes causes some people to perceive the aldehydes in cilantro as soapy or foul, while others perceive them as fresh and citrusy.
Parsley can be used as a visual substitute, but the flavor profile is completely different (earthy vs. citrusy). It will significantly alter the intended taste of a dish.
Trim the stems, place the bunch in a jar with an inch of water, loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag, and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
The fresh leaves of the coriander plant, used as a herb.
Cilantro is usually informal, culinary in register.
Cilantro: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈlantrəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪˈlæntroʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A love-it-or-hate-it herb (descriptive phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "CILANTRO has a LATIN flair" – it's the Latin American name for the herb.
Conceptual Metaphor
HERB AS A CONTROVERSIAL ACTOR (e.g., "cilantro divides dinner parties").
Practice
Quiz
In American English, what is the primary meaning of 'cilantro'?