# angelica

/ˈændʒəˌɫikə/ (US) · /ændʒˈɛlɪkɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/angelica
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the plant

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a tall, green plant with hollow stems and small flowers that smells like celery.

For teachers: any of various aromatic plants of the genus Angelica, particularly the garden species cultivated for its medicinal and culinary properties.

- The gardener planted angelica in the damp corner of the yard because it loves moisture.
- Wild angelica is often found growing near riverbanks, distinguished by its impressive height and large, compound umbels of greenish-white flowers.

### 2. candied food

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the bright green stems of the angelica plant that have been cooked in sugar.

For teachers: the candied stalks of the garden angelica, typically used as a decorative element or flavouring in confectionery and baking.

- She decorated the Christmas cake with small pieces of bright green angelica.
- The traditional recipe calls for candied angelica and glacé cherries to provide a contrast of colour and texture in the fruitcake.

### 3. a person's name

noun · CEFR A1

a common name for a girl or woman.

For teachers: a female given name of Latin and Italian origin, meaning angelic.

- Angelica is starting her new job at the hospital next Monday.
- The protagonist, Angelica, serves as a moral compass throughout the novel, reflecting the literal meaning of her name.

## Examples

- She decorated the cake with green pieces of candied angelica.
- The recipe calls for chopped angelica to add a unique, herbal sweetness to the traditional fruitcake.
- Wild angelica thrives in damp soil near riverbanks, though the cultivated variety is more commonly sought for its medicinal properties and its role in flavoring botanical spirits like gin.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.