lemongrass

noun

lem·​on·​grass ˈle-mən-ˌgras How to pronounce lemongrass (audio)
: a grass (Cymbopogon citratus) of robust habit native to southern India and Ceylon that is grown in tropical regions for its lemon-scented foliage used as a seasoning and that is the source of an aromatic essential oil
also : its foliage

Examples of lemongrass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Kiwi and star fruit flavors abound, seasoned with lime, lemongrass and ginger. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 These include citronella, a few other geranium varieties, plus marigolds, lemongrass, catnip, certain types of mint, lavender, and lantana. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024 Tien elevates the idea by wrapping ground Wagyu beef, perfumed with lemongrass and funky with fish sauce, in easier-to-find perilla leaves that give the meat a minty freshness. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 The crab croquettes wear a wig of frizzled lemongrass and lime leaf. Shauna Lyon, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2023 Mexican chiles, Southeast Asian lemongrass and Middle Eastern black lime are ingredients that also speak to some of our favorite cuisines across L.A. L.a. Times Food Staff, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2023 The double-decker tower bears a scallop crudo with lemongrass and octopus in a red-bean-curd dressing. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2023 The seafood is sublime, and so is its sauce, lit with lemongrass. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 27 Nov. 2023 For someone wanting cold-weather comfort food, one night there was a potato pizza topped with blue cheese and rosemary; for a more traditional dish, there were options like baked salmon with lemongrass and herbs. Samantha Falewée, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lemongrass.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lemongrass was in 1801

Dictionary Entries Near lemongrass

Cite this Entry

“Lemongrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lemongrass. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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