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.
The steak is rubbed in a blend of chili powder, cumin, and coriander, plus a little brown sugar for a little bit of contrasting sweetness. — Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2026 When cilantro goes to seed, those tiny round seeds are known as coriander, says Tyler. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 21 Aug. 2026 Some add flavors like orange peel and coriander, while for others, the yeast itself creates the flavors of clove and banana. — Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026 Masala blends bring warmth through cumin, coriander, turmeric and chili. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 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

Rhymes for coriander

See All Rhymes for coriander

Browse Nearby Words

corial
coriander
coriander oil
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coriander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coriander. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on coriander

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about coriander

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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