spice

play

noun \ˈspīs\

Simple Definition of spice

: a substance (such as pepper or nutmeg) that is used in cooking to add flavor to food and that comes from a dried plant and is usually a powder or seed
: something that adds interest or excitement

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of spice

1 : any of various aromatic vegetable products (as pepper or nutmeg) used to season or flavor foods
2a archaic : a small portion, quantity, or admixture : dashb : something that gives zest or relish <variety's the very spice of life — William Cowper>
3 : a pungent or fragrant odor : perfume

spiceless

play \-ləs\ adjective

See spice defined for English-language learners

See spice defined for kids

Examples of spice in a sentence

The soup needs a little more spice.
<a cologne for men that captures all of the spice of the sea>

Origin and Etymology of spice

Middle English, from Anglo-French espece, espis, from Late Latin species product, wares, drugs, spices, from Latin, appearance, species — more at species

First Known Use: 13th century

spice

transitive verb

Simple Definition of spice

: to flavor (food) with spices
: to add interest or excitement to (something)

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of spice

spiced

spicing

1 : to season with spices
2 : to add zest or relish to <cynicism spiced with humor — J. W. Dawson> —often used with up

Examples of spice in a sentence

I spiced the chicken with ginger.
<spice the stew with more pepper>

14th Century

First Known Use of spice

14th century

SPICE Defined for Kids

spice

play

noun \ˈspīs\

Definition of spice for Students

1 : a seasoning (as pepper or nutmeg) that comes from a dried plant part and that is usually a powder or seed
2 : something that adds interest <My boring routine needs some spice.>