sticky rice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Technical (culinary context)
Quick answer
What does “sticky rice” mean?
A specific type of short-grain rice, commonly grown in Southeast and East Asia, that becomes notably glutinous, chewy, and cohesive when cooked.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific type of short-grain rice, commonly grown in Southeast and East Asia, that becomes notably glutinous, chewy, and cohesive when cooked.
Dishes prepared with or based on glutinous rice; can refer to sweet or savoury preparations across various Asian cuisines.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Sticky rice' is the predominant term in both varieties. 'Glutinous rice' is more likely in formal culinary or packaging contexts in both.
Connotations
Neutral and descriptive in both. Evokes associations with Asian cuisines (e.g., Thai, Lao, Chinese, Japanese, Korean).
Frequency
Equal frequency in relevant culinary contexts. Uncommon in general discourse unless discussing food.
Grammar
How to Use “sticky rice” in a Sentence
eat [sticky rice]serve [sticky rice] with [mango]steam [sticky rice]make [sticky rice]wrap [sticky rice] in banana leavesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sticky rice” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form. Usage would be descriptive: 'The rice stickied together perfectly.']
American English
- [No standard verb form. Usage would be descriptive: 'The rice stickied together perfectly.']
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- We ordered the sticky rice dessert.
- It's a traditional sticky rice recipe.
American English
- I'm craving sticky rice pudding.
- She makes amazing sticky rice balls.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of food import/export, restaurant menus, and culinary tourism.
Academic
Appears in anthropological, cultural, or food science texts discussing Asian agriculture, diets, or gastronomy.
Everyday
Used when discussing cooking, ordering food at Asian restaurants, or sharing recipes.
Technical
Used in culinary arts, food science (referring to high amylopectin content), and agricultural studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sticky rice”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sticky rice”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sticky rice”
- Confusing 'sticky rice' with any rice that has become sticky due to overcooking. It is a specific variety.
- Using 'sticky rice' as a verb or adjective outside of compound nouns (e.g., 'sticky rice dessert' is fine; 'The rice was very sticky rice' is redundant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sushi rice is a short-grain rice seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt. It is sticky but not the same variety as glutinous/sticky rice. Sticky rice is much more glutinous and chewy.
No, it is a misnomer. 'Glutinous' refers to its glue-like, sticky consistency. Sticky rice is made from a different species (Oryza sativa var. glutinosa) and is naturally gluten-free.
It is possible, but the traditional and most effective method is steaming, often in a special bamboo basket. A regular rice cooker may not yield the perfect, separate-yet-chewy texture.
Internationally, 'Mango with Sticky Rice' (a Thai dessert) is likely the most famous. In savoury contexts, Lao/Isan style sticky rice served with grilled meats and spicy dips is a fundamental dish.
A specific type of short-grain rice, commonly grown in Southeast and East Asia, that becomes notably glutinous, chewy, and cohesive when cooked.
Sticky rice is usually informal, technical (culinary context) in register.
Sticky rice: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstɪki ˈraɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstɪki ˈraɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly with 'sticky rice'. Conceptually linked to 'stick together like glue' or 'close-knit' due to its cohesive texture.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the rice grains STICKING together tightly after cooking, unlike regular rice which is separate and fluffy.
Conceptual Metaphor
COHESIVENESS IS STICKINESS (e.g., 'a sticky rice community' - though not a common phrase, it illustrates the metaphor).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic that defines 'sticky rice'?