coriander

IPA/ˌkɒriˈændə(r)/
KK[kˌɔriˈændɚ]IPA/ˌkɔːriˈændər/

coriander — noun

1. a bright green plant whose fresh leaves give salads, soups, and curries a light,

1.nounA2
Definition

a bright green plant whose fresh leaves give salads, soups, and curries a light, citrusy flavour — especially popular in Asian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and North African cooking

Example

The recipe calls for a large handful of fresh coriander, chopped finely.

collocation: fresh coriander / chopped coriander

Mei-Lin always sprinkles coriander leaves over her noodle soup before serving it.

sprinkle + coriander leaves + over [dish]

Common collocations
  • fresh coriander
  • chopped coriander
  • coriander leaves
  • bunch of coriander
  • sprinkle coriander
Synonyms
  • cilantro

    used in US English for the fresh leaves; not common in UK/Commonwealth

  • Chinese parsley

    an older, less common name for the fresh herb

Grammar Patterns

often used as: bunch of coriander, chopped coriander

Usage Note

In British English, 'coriander' is used for both the fresh leaves and the dried seeds. In American English, the fresh leaves are called 'cilantro', while 'coriander' usually refers to the dried seeds. This dictionary entry follows British/Commonwealth usage.

Common Mistakes

I bought cilantro at the London market.
I bought coriander at the London market.
In the UK, the fresh herb is called 'coriander', not 'cilantro'.

2. the small, round, dried fruits (often called seeds) of the coriander plant. You

2.nounB1
Definition

the small, round, dried fruits (often called seeds) of the coriander plant. You can cook them in their whole form or crush them into a powder to flavour curries, stews, soups, and baked goods with a warm, slightly sweet, citrusy taste

Example

Ground coriander adds a warm, citrusy flavour to lentil soup.

collocation: ground coriander

The chef toasted whole coriander seeds before crushing them for the curry paste.

pattern: toast + whole coriander seeds + before + verb-ing

Common collocations
  • ground coriander
  • coriander seeds
  • whole coriander
  • toasted coriander seeds

Grammar Patterns

often used as: ground coriander, coriander seeds, whole coriander

Usage Note

In most recipes, 'coriander' alone means the ground spice, while 'coriander seeds' refers to the whole seeds. The ground spice loses its flavour faster than the whole seeds, so toasting and grinding whole seeds just before cooking gives the best result.

Common Mistakes

I added fresh coriander to the curry' (when the recipe meant the ground seeds).
I added ground coriander to the curry.
Specify 'ground coriander' or 'coriander seeds' if you mean the spice, not the fresh leaves.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

In British English, 'coriander' refers to both the fresh leaves and the dried seeds of the plant. In American English, the fresh leaves are called 'cilantro' (from Spanish), while 'coriander' strictly means the dried seeds. 'Chinese parsley' is an older English name for the fresh herb, now rarely used outside of historical recipes. If you are shopping in London, ask for 'coriander' to get the leafy herb; in New York, ask for 'cilantro'. For the spice, 'coriander' or 'coriander seeds' works in both varieties. Example: 'Tom garnished his pho with fresh coriander (or cilantro, in the US).'

cilantro ↗Chinese parsleycoriander leaves

Common collocations

Nouns

  • coriander leaves
  • coriander seeds
  • coriander powder
  • bunch of coriander
  • sprig of coriander

Adverbs

Phrases

  • fresh coriander
  • ground coriander
  • whole coriander
  • chopped coriander
  • toasted coriander seeds

Prepositions

  • with coriander
  • without coriander

Etymology

Ancient GreekLatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'coriander' comes from Latin 'coriandrum', borrowed from Ancient Greek 'koriannon' (κορίαννον). The plant, native to the Mediterranean and Middle East, has been cultivated for over 3,000 years. The modern English form developed through Old French 'coriandre'. The Greek name may be related to 'koris' (bedbug), referring to the smell of the unripe leaves, which some people find unpleasant.

First known use

14th century

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1