granny smith: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1informal, culinary, marketing
Quick answer
What does “granny smith” mean?
A popular variety of apple with bright green skin, a tart flavour, and crisp, firm white flesh.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A popular variety of apple with bright green skin, a tart flavour, and crisp, firm white flesh.
Used as the name for the specific cultivar of apple (Malus domestica 'Granny Smith'). Can occasionally be used to refer to the colour or flavour associated with this apple.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The name and concept are identical. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Neutral, associated with baking (especially pies), health, and a sharp taste.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties as a specific apple name.
Grammar
How to Use “granny smith” in a Sentence
a bag of Granny SmithsGranny Smith applemade with Granny SmithsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “granny smith” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Granny Smith flavour was perfect for the tart.
American English
- She made a Granny-Smith-apple crumble.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in horticulture, agriculture, and food retail contexts.
Academic
Used in botanical or culinary studies.
Everyday
Common in shopping, cooking, and casual conversation about food.
Technical
Used as the cultivar name in pomology (fruit science).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “granny smith”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “granny smith”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “granny smith”
- Writing it as 'granny smiths' (uncapitalized), confusing it with other green apples like 'Pippin'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is named after Maria Ann (Granny) Smith, who propagated the cultivar in Australia in the 1860s.
Yes, they are popular for eating raw due to their crisp texture and tart flavour, though some find them too sharp.
They are excellent for baking (pies, tarts) and cooking because they hold their shape well and their tartness contrasts with sweet ingredients.
No, they remain green even when fully ripe, though they may develop a slight pink blush in direct sun.
A popular variety of apple with bright green skin, a tart flavour, and crisp, firm white flesh.
Granny smith is usually informal, culinary, marketing in register.
Granny smith: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡræni ˈsmɪθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡræni ˈsmɪθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a strict 'granny' named 'Smith' who only eats crisp, green, tart apples.
Conceptual Metaphor
TARTNESS IS SHARPNESS; HEALTH IS GREENNESS.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'Granny Smith' primarily?