coriander

noun

co·​ri·​an·​der ˈkȯr-ē-ˌan-dər How to pronounce coriander (audio)
ˌkȯr-ē-ˈan-
1
: an Old World annual herb (Coriandrum sativum) of the carrot family with aromatic fruits
2
: the ripened dried fruit of coriander used as a flavoring

called also coriander seed

Examples of coriander in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt and pepper. ABC News, 13 May 2026 The Indian recipe is made with warming spices like cumin, ginger, coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026 Fennel, cumin, coriander and black pepper perfume sistani, another round flatbread with barley mixed into the wheat flour for a nutty taste and pliant crumb. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026 Look out for dishes like chop suey of langoustines—the tender langoustines come in a rich fish velouté topped with a halo of fluffy coriander and alfalfa foam—or green peas with baby scallops and green caviar. Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for coriander

Word History

Etymology

Middle English coriandre, from Anglo-French, from Latin coriandrum, from Greek koriandron, koriannon

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coriander was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coriander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coriander. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

coriander

noun
co·​ri·​an·​der ˈkȯr-ē-ˌan-dər How to pronounce coriander (audio)
: the ripened dried tiny fruit of an herb related to the carrot that is used as a flavoring
also : the herb that produces coriander

Medical Definition

coriander

noun
co·​ri·​an·​der ˈkōr-ē-ˌan-dər How to pronounce coriander (audio)
ˌkōr-ē-ˈ
ˈkȯr-
ˌkȯr-
1
: an Old World herb (Coriandrum sativum) of the carrot family (Apiaceae) with aromatic fruits
2
: the ripened dried fruit of coriander used as a flavoring

called also coriander seed

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