sulfite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (in general English); Medium-High (in food science, winemaking, allergy contexts)Primarily technical/scientific; also used in regulated consumer contexts (e.g., food labelling).
Quick answer
What does “sulfite” mean?
A chemical compound containing the sulfite ion (SO₃²⁻), often used as a preservative in food and wine to prevent oxidation and bacterial growth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound containing the sulfite ion (SO₃²⁻), often used as a preservative in food and wine to prevent oxidation and bacterial growth.
Can also refer to a compound of sulfur in the +4 oxidation state; a salt or ester of sulfurous acid. In a broader, non-technical context, it is often associated with food additives and allergens.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK prefers 'sulphite'; US uses 'sulfite'. Pronunciation follows spelling differences.
Connotations
Identical technical meaning and regulatory context. The UK spelling aligns with 'sulphur', the US with 'sulfur'.
Frequency
US spelling 'sulfite' is dominant globally in scientific literature. UK spelling 'sulphite' remains common in British regulatory and consumer texts.
Grammar
How to Use “sulfite” in a Sentence
[Noun] + contains/carries + sulfitesallergic/sensitive to + sulfites[Product] + is sulfite-freethe addition of + sulfiteVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sulfite” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The wine must not be *sulphited* beyond the legal limit.
- They *sulphite* the dried fruit to retain colour.
American English
- The manufacturer *sulfited* the shrimp to prevent melanosis.
- New regulations limit how much you can *sulfite*.
adverb
British English
- The fruit was treated sulphitingly (very rare).
American English
- (No standard adverbial form in use)
adjective
British English
- sulphited dried apricots
- a sulphiting agent
American English
- sulfited wine
- sulfite sensitivity
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
On ingredient lists and allergy advisories for food and beverage products.
Academic
In chemistry papers discussing redox chemistry, food science, or toxicology.
Everyday
When discussing food allergies, reading wine labels, or choosing processed foods.
Technical
Specifying preservatives in winemaking, food manufacturing, or chemical synthesis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sulfite”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sulfite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sulfite”
- Misspelling as 'sulphate' or 'sulfate' (different chemical).
- Pronouncing as /ˈsʌl.fiːt/ (incorrect long 'ee'); correct is /ˈsʌl.faɪt/ (with 'eye').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are the same chemical compound. 'Sulfite' is the American English spelling, while 'sulphite' is the British English spelling.
It is a mandatory allergy warning label in many countries because sulfites can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly some asthmatics.
No. Sulfite (SO₃²⁻) and sulfate (SO₄²⁻) are different chemical ions. Sulfates are salts of sulfuric acid and are common in nature (e.g., gypsum), while sulfites are salts of sulfurous acid and are used as preservatives.
Common sources include wine, beer, dried fruits, processed potatoes (like fries), maraschino cherries, and some pickled and canned goods.
A chemical compound containing the sulfite ion (SO₃²⁻), often used as a preservative in food and wine to prevent oxidation and bacterial growth.
Sulfite is usually primarily technical/scientific; also used in regulated consumer contexts (e.g., food labelling). in register.
Sulfite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌl.faɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌl.faɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Contains sulfites (standard warning label phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SULFur preservITE. It's an 'ite' from sulfur used to preserve things.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESERVATIVE IS A SHIELD (sulfites shield food from decay and discolouration).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason sulfites are added to wine?