mirabel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Literary, formal, horticultural/specialist.
Quick answer
What does “mirabel” mean?
A type of small, sweet, yellow plum.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of small, sweet, yellow plum.
Also refers to varieties of flowers (like a type of primrose) and can be a given name of Latin origin meaning 'wonderful'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In botanical/horticultural contexts, the term is recognised but seldom used in everyday speech in either variety. As a name, it is marginally more common in UK English.
Connotations
The fruit connotes traditional, possibly heritage, cultivation. As a name, it connotes old-fashioned charm or literary association.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general corpora. Slightly higher frequency in specialised gardening texts.
Grammar
How to Use “mirabel” in a Sentence
NOUN + of + (type) - 'a mirabel of exceptional sweetness'PROPER NOUN (Name) - 'Mirabel arrived early.'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mirabel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The archaism is seen in 'O mirabel sight!' (literary).
American English
- (Archaic) 'They beheld a mirabel vision.'
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually non-existent, except potentially in niche horticultural trade.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical texts, literary analysis (character names), or botanical papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Most speakers would not know the word.
Technical
Used in botany and horticulture to classify specific cultivars of plums (Prunus domestica subsp. syriaca) and primroses (Primula 'Mirabel').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mirabel”
- Misspelling as 'mirable', 'miracle', or 'maribel'.
- Assuming it is a common word meaning 'wonderful' in modern English.
- Incorrect stress: placing stress on the second syllable (e.g., /mɪˈrɑːbəl/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. Most English speakers would encounter it only in specific contexts like gardening, historical literature, or as a proper name.
This usage is archaic and obsolete in modern English. It is derived from Latin 'mirabilis' but is no longer part of the active vocabulary.
Mirabels are a specific cultivar group of plums, typically smaller, rounder, yellow, and very sweet, often used for preserves and eau-de-vie.
The difference is minimal. British English may slightly reduce or elide the final vowel (/ˈmɪrəb(ə)l/), while American English tends toward a clear schwa (/ˈmɪrəbəl/).
A type of small, sweet, yellow plum.
Mirabel is usually literary, formal, horticultural/specialist. in register.
Mirabel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪrəb(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪrəbəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BELL (bel) that rings MIRACulously (mira-) to reveal a sweet, yellow plum inside.
Conceptual Metaphor
SWEETNESS/DELIGHT IS A RARE AND WONDERFUL OBJECT (from its name etymology and the fruit's quality).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common contemporary meaning of 'mirabel'?