coriander: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral, culinary, botanical
Quick answer
What does “coriander” mean?
A plant (Coriandrum sativum) whose fresh leaves and dried seeds are used as a herb and spice in cooking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A plant (Coriandrum sativum) whose fresh leaves and dried seeds are used as a herb and spice in cooking.
In botanical contexts, the term refers to the entire annual herb of the parsley family. In culinary contexts, it commonly distinguishes between the fresh leaves (often called cilantro in North America) and the dried seeds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'coriander' refers to the entire plant—both the fresh leaves and the dried seeds. In American English, 'coriander' typically refers specifically to the seeds, while the fresh leaves are almost always called 'cilantro'.
Connotations
In the UK, it is a standard culinary term. In the US, 'cilantro' for the leaves is predominant in everyday speech, while 'coriander' for seeds is common in recipes and more formal cooking contexts.
Frequency
'Coriander' is high-frequency in UK culinary contexts. In the US, 'cilantro' is more frequent for the herb, while 'coriander' remains standard for the spice/seeds.
Grammar
How to Use “coriander” in a Sentence
add [coriander] to [dish]garnish with [coriander]sprinkle [coriander] over [food]crush [coriander seeds]blend [coriander] with [other herbs]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coriander” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The recipe says to coriander the mixture lightly.
- She coriandered the curry just before serving.
American English
- He coriandered the salsa with a heavy hand.
- The chef recommends coriandering the dish at the end.
adverb
British English
- She sprinkled the herbs corianderly over the dish.
- The salad was dressed corianderly, with a fresh, citrusy touch.
American English
- He garnished the tacos corianderly, adding brightness.
- The marinade was corianderly spiced.
adjective
British English
- The coriander chutney was particularly fragrant.
- A strong coriander note characterised the soup.
American English
- The sauce had a distinct coriander flavor.
- She made a coriander-infused oil for the salad.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the food industry, agriculture, and spice trade (e.g., 'coriander seed imports').
Academic
Appears in botanical, culinary, and pharmacological studies.
Everyday
Common in cooking, recipes, grocery shopping, and gardening discussions.
Technical
Used in horticulture (plant taxonomy: Coriandrum sativum) and food science (as a flavour component).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coriander”
- Using 'coriander' to mean only the seeds in a UK context without clarification.
- Assuming 'cilantro' is understood globally for the leaves.
- Confusing coriander with parsley due to visual similarity.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They refer to different parts of the same plant. 'Cilantro' is the common American English name for the fresh leaves and stems. 'Coriander' typically refers to the dried seeds in the US, but in the UK and many other countries, 'coriander' refers to the entire plant, including the fresh leaves.
A genetic trait causes some people to perceive the aldehydes in fresh coriander leaves as soapy or unpleasant. This is less common with the dried seeds.
Yes, but adjust quantities. Ground coriander is more potent by volume. Typically, use about 3/4 teaspoon of ground for every 1 teaspoon of whole seeds called for, but flavour profiles differ slightly (ground is more immediate, whole seeds release flavour when toasted/crushed).
Yes, it is an annual herb that grows well in pots or gardens with plenty of sun. It bolts (goes to seed) quickly in hot weather, so successive planting is recommended for a continuous leaf harvest.
A plant (Coriandrum sativum) whose fresh leaves and dried seeds are used as a herb and spice in cooking.
Coriander is usually neutral, culinary, botanical in register.
Coriander: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒr.iˈæn.dər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːr.iˈæn.dɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none directly associated”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CORI' like 'core' of flavour, 'ANDER' sounds like 'herb' – the core herb for many cuisines.
Conceptual Metaphor
A flavour bridge: Connects different culinary traditions (e.g., Indian, Mexican, Thai) through its dual use as herb and spice.
Practice
Quiz
In which cuisine is 'coriander' (as seeds) a fundamental spice?