dill

noun \ ˈdil \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

Definition of dill

1 a : any of several plants of the carrot family; especially : a European herb (Anethum graveolens) with aromatic foliage and seeds both of which are used in flavoring foods and especially pickles

b : the foliage of dill

2 : dill pickle

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dilled

adjective

See dill defined for English-language learners

See dill defined for kids

Recent Examples of dill from the Web

Herbs: Anise, basil, bay laurel, borage, cardamom, chives, coriander, dill, borage, ginger, lemon balm, oregano, Mexican tarragon, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, savory, sweet marjoram and thyme.

— tom maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "April in the garden," 31 Mar. 2018
And brunch cocktails, including Red Eyes (vodka, pomegranate juice and lime); Dill Gimlet (gin, fresh cucumber, fresh dill); and Gold Rush Margarita (reposado tequila, elderflower liqueur and lime).

— greg morago, Houston Chronicle, "King’s BierHaus begins Sunday brunch," 9 Mar. 2018
Add beef and seasonings from packets to pot along with vinegar, stout, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, peppercorns, dill seeds, allspice, and bay leaves; then add water to barely cover beef.

— Sunset, "Patrick’s Corned Beef and Cabbage," 22 Jan. 2018
Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk remaining 2 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, horseradish, and 1⁄2 teaspoon salt; stir in dill.

— the good housekeeping test kitchen, Good Housekeeping, "Garden Greens and Pumpernickel Panzanella," 3 Aug. 2016
Add breadcrumbs, lemon zest, oil and dill; pulse until crumbly (mixture should stick together).

— atlanta life, ajc, "7 Day Menu Planner," 30 Mar. 2018
The lobster was perfectly cooked, the sauce was decadently smooth and very rich the potato topping with dill and horseradish was fantastic.

— claire saffitz, Bon Appetit, "Lobster Shepherd’s Pie," 19 Mar. 2018
When they’re done, transfer to bowls of rich, homemade chicken soup with a few slices of carrots and a sprinkle of parsley or dill.

— karoline boehm goodnick, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipe: How to make fluffy, light matzo balls," 19 Mar. 2018
In essence, aquavit is like a gin flavored with caraway or dill rather than juniper.

— jason wilson, New York Times, "Jump-Starting the Aquavit Renaissance," 13 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dill.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of dill

Middle English dile, from Old English; akin to Old High German tilli dill

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

Dill

biographical name \ ˈdil \

Definition of Dill

Sir John Greer 1881–1944 British general

DILL Defined for English Language Learners

dill

noun

Definition of dill for English Language Learners

: an herb with leaves that are used in cooking and with seeds that are used in flavoring foods such as pickles

DILL Defined for Kids

dill

noun \ ˈdil \

Definition of dill for Students

: an herb that is related to the carrot plant and has fragrant leaves and seeds used in flavoring foods and especially pickles

Medical Dictionary

dill

noun \ ˈdil \

medical Definition of dill

: any of several plants of the family Umbelliferae; especially : a European herb (Anethum graveolens) with aromatic seeds and foliage that are used in flavoring foods and especially pickles