st. john's-bread: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialized/Botanical/Literary)Formal/Literary/Botanical
Quick answer
What does “st. john's-bread” mean?
A common name for the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) and its edible pods, also called locust bean.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common name for the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) and its edible pods, also called locust bean.
The name originates from the belief that these pods were the 'locusts' eaten by John the Baptist in the wilderness. The pods are used as a chocolate substitute and animal feed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British texts due to classical/religious education traditions.
Connotations
Evokes biblical, ascetic, or historical sustenance. Neutral in botanical contexts.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both. Primarily found in religious commentaries, botanical guides, or historical novels.
Grammar
How to Use “st. john's-bread” in a Sentence
The hermit survived on [St. John's-bread].They milled the [St. John's-bread] into flour.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “st. john's-bread” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The St. John's-bread flour is a useful gluten-free alternative.
American English
- The St. John's-bread extract provides natural sweetness.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potential in health food or specialty ingredient markets.
Academic
Botany, theology, historical agriculture, biblical studies.
Everyday
Virtually unused.
Technical
Botanical nomenclature, food science (as carob powder).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “st. john's-bread”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “st. john's-bread”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “st. john's-bread”
- Misspelling: St. Johnsbread, St. John bread. Misunderstanding: Thinking it is actual bread.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not bread. It is the common name for the carob pod, which was historically used as a food source.
The name comes from the belief that the carob pods were the 'locusts' eaten by John the Baptist, as mentioned in the Bible.
Yes, the pods are edible. They are often ground into powder (carob powder) used as a sweetener or chocolate alternative.
The term itself is rare and mostly historical or botanical. The product (carob) is common in health food contexts.
A common name for the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) and its edible pods, also called locust bean.
St. john's-bread is usually formal/literary/botanical in register.
St. john's-bread: in British English it is pronounced /sənt ˈdʒɒnz bred/, and in American English it is pronounced /seɪnt ˈdʒɑːnz bred/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[To live on] St. John's-bread (to live an austere, simple life).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine **St. John** in the desert, breaking **bread** that's actually a long, brown carob pod.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUSTERITY IS ST. JOHN'S-BREAD (a symbol of simple, survival-based sustenance).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern use of St. John's-bread?