guacamole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Low frequency; widely understood due to global cuisine but not common in general discourse)Informal
Quick answer
What does “guacamole” mean?
A Mexican dish consisting of a thick, green paste made from mashed avocados, typically mixed with chopped onion, tomatoes, chilli peppers, and cilantro.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Mexican dish consisting of a thick, green paste made from mashed avocados, typically mixed with chopped onion, tomatoes, chilli peppers, and cilantro.
Can refer broadly to any dish or dip primarily composed of mashed avocado. In some contexts, it is used metaphorically to denote something desirable, rich, or essential (e.g., 'the guacamole of the tech world').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation are identical. The dish is equally familiar, though potentially less commonly prepared at home in the UK.
Connotations
In both regions, connotes Mexican/Tex-Mex cuisine, casual dining, health-conscious or trendy food. In the US, due to geographic proximity, it carries stronger associations with everyday cuisine, especially in southwestern states.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, particularly in regions with significant Mexican culinary influence.
Grammar
How to Use “guacamole” in a Sentence
We had [guacamole] with the nachos.She is making [some guacamole] for the party.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guacamole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They guacamoled the avocado for the party. (Extremely rare/non-standard)
American English
- We're gonna guacamole these avocados before the game. (Slang/rare)
adjective
British English
- A guacamole-flavoured crisp. (Rare)
American English
- A guacamole dip. (Common in compound nouns)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in marketing for food services, menus, or lifestyle brands.
Academic
Rare; could appear in anthropological, cultural, or food science studies.
Everyday
Common in contexts of cooking, dining out, or discussing food preferences.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “guacamole”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “guacamole”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guacamole”
- Pronouncing it as 'goo-aka-mole'.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'two guacamoles').
- Misspelling as 'guacomole' or 'guacamoly'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, traditional recipes often include chillies for heat, but the spice level can be adjusted or omitted entirely to taste.
Commonly as /ˌɡwɑːkəˈmoʊliː/ (gwah-kuh-MOH-lee).
It is best made fresh as avocados oxidize and turn brown quickly. Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface can help slow this process for a few hours.
Yes, it is generally considered healthy as avocados are rich in healthy fats, fibre, and vitamins. Nutritional value depends on added ingredients like salt.
A Mexican dish consisting of a thick, green paste made from mashed avocados, typically mixed with chopped onion, tomatoes, chilli peppers, and cilantro.
Guacamole is usually informal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The whole enchilada (and guacamole on the side) – an informal extension meaning 'everything possible'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Guaca' sounds like 'wacca' – imagine a green wizard ('Wacca-mole') mashing avocados with his magic staff.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOMETHING DESIRABLE IS GUACAMOLE (e.g., 'That new feature is the guacamole of the software update').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary ingredient in guacamole?