perilla: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+ (Specialised)Specialised culinary/botanical register. Known to food enthusiasts, botanists, and those familiar with East Asian cuisines.
Quick answer
What does “perilla” mean?
A plant of the mint family, Perilla frutescens, native to East Asia, whose leaves are used as a herb in cooking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A plant of the mint family, Perilla frutescens, native to East Asia, whose leaves are used as a herb in cooking.
Refers specifically to the aromatic leaves of the perilla plant, which have a unique flavour profile often described as a mix of mint, basil, and anise. In Japanese cuisine, it is called 'shiso'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally specialised in both varieties. The Japanese term 'shiso' is also commonly used.
Connotations
Culinary sophistication, East Asian (particularly Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese) cuisine.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, appearing in contexts related to gardening, cooking, or botany.
Grammar
How to Use “perilla” in a Sentence
[cultivate/grow/harvest] perillaperilla is [used/added/garnished]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “perilla” in a Sentence
verb
British English
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American English
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adverb
British English
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American English
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adjective
British English
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American English
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Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in contexts of specialty food import/export or agriculture.
Academic
Botanical texts, horticultural studies, ethnobotany papers.
Everyday
Almost non-existent except among cooks/gardeners familiar with East Asian ingredients.
Technical
Botanical classification (Lamiaceae family), culinary science describing flavour compounds (perillaldehyde).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “perilla”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “perilla”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “perilla”
- Misspelling as 'parella' or 'perrila'.
- Confusing it with common basil or mint.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the first syllable (/ˈpɛrɪlə/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. 'Shiso' is the Japanese name for the perilla plant (Perilla frutescens). The terms are often used interchangeably in culinary contexts.
Not ideally. While both are aromatic herbs, perilla has a unique flavour profile combining mint, anise, and citrus notes. Basil lacks the distinct minty-anise character.
Its flavour is complex: primarily minty and slightly spicy, with clear notes of anise/licorice and a hint of citrus. It is more pungent than common basil.
In Asian supermarkets (especially Japanese or Korean), sometimes labelled as 'shiso'. It can also be grown from seed in temperate climates.
A plant of the mint family, Perilla frutescens, native to East Asia, whose leaves are used as a herb in cooking.
Perilla is usually specialised culinary/botanical register. known to food enthusiasts, botanists, and those familiar with east asian cuisines. in register.
Perilla: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈrɪlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˈrɪlə/ (also /pɛˈriːlə/ in some botanical circles). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
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Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PERfumed herb for your paELLA' -> PER-ILLA.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable; a concrete noun with no common metaphorical use.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common culinary synonym for 'perilla'?