crudites: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal to Semi-formal
Quick answer
What does “crudites” mean?
An assortment of raw vegetables, served as an appetiser, often with a dipping sauce.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An assortment of raw vegetables, served as an appetiser, often with a dipping sauce.
By extension, can refer to any simple, fresh, raw preparation of vegetables, typically served at the beginning of a meal or as part of a buffet. The term implies a French culinary origin and a degree of sophistication in presentation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically. Spelling with the accent is more consistently maintained in British English. The American pronunciation often has a flapped /d/ or taps the /t/ more lightly.
Connotations
In both regions, it connotes a degree of sophistication, a 'continental' or French-style appetiser. It is more commonly encountered in restaurants, upscale grocery stores, and dinner parties than in everyday domestic contexts.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the prevalence of the term on restaurant menus and in prepared food sections. In British English, 'vegetable sticks' or simply 'raw vegetables' are more common in informal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “crudites” in a Sentence
[Serve/Offer/Arrange] + [crudités] + [with/and] + [dip/sauce][A platter/plate/bowl] + [of] + [crudités][Crudités] + [are/were] + [served/offered/prepared]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in catering for corporate events (e.g., 'We'll have crudités during the networking session').
Academic
Rare. Might appear in culinary arts or hospitality management texts.
Everyday
Used when describing a meal or party menu (e.g., 'I'm just putting out some crudités before the main course').
Technical
A standard term in professional cookery and menu planning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crudites”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crudites”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crudites”
- Treating it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a crudité' is incorrect; it's 'some crudités' or 'a crudités platter').
- Mispronouncing it as /kruːˈdaɪts/ (like 'crude' + 'ights').
- Omitting the accent in writing where style permits it.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is treated as a plural noun in English. You say 'The crudités are on the table,' not 'The crudités is...'
In formal and culinary writing, the accent is typically retained. In informal contexts, it is sometimes dropped ('crudites'), but the accented form is considered more correct.
Common dips include aioli, hummus, tzatziki, ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or a simple vinaigrette. The choice often complements the style of the meal.
No, by definition, crudités are raw. The term comes from the French 'crudité', meaning 'rawness'. Cooked vegetables would be referred to by another name, like 'roasted vegetables' or 'antipasti'.
An assortment of raw vegetables, served as an appetiser, often with a dipping sauce.
Crudites is usually formal to semi-formal in register.
Crudites: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkruː.dɪ.teɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkruː.dɪˈteɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CRUDe vegetables are I.T.' – but the 'I.T.' stands for 'In Tasty' dip. Or: The word sounds like 'crude' + 'teas' – imagine serving crude (raw) veggies at a fancy tea party.
Conceptual Metaphor
FRESHNESS IS PURITY / SIMPLICITY IS ELEGANCE
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes 'crudités'?