# coriander

/ˌkɔɹiˈændɝ/ (US) · /kˌɒɹɪˈændɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. the fresh leaves

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

the green leaves of a plant used as a fresh herb in cooking.

For teachers: the fresh leaves of Coriandrum sativum, widely used as a garnish or ingredient in diverse cuisines. Uncountable in this sense.

- She chopped some fresh coriander to sprinkle over the spicy curry.
- The recipe calls for a generous handful of chopped coriander to be added just before serving to preserve its bright, citrusy aroma.

Usage: In British English, 'coriander' refers to both the leaves and the seeds.

Teaching tip: American English speakers almost exclusively call the fresh leaves 'cilantro' and reserve 'coriander' for the dried seeds.

### 2. the dried seeds

noun · CEFR B2

the small, round seeds of the plant, usually ground into a powder and used as a spice.

For teachers: the dried fruits or seeds of the coriander plant, used whole or ground as a warm, aromatic spice.

- The recipe says to toast the coriander seeds in a pan before grinding them.
- Ground coriander provides a foundational earthy sweetness to many spice blends, including traditional garam masala and various dry rubs for roasted meats.

Usage: Often used in the plural when referring to the whole seeds, or as an uncountable noun when referring to the ground powder.

## Examples

- I added some fresh coriander to the soup.
- The chef used both the leaves and the seeds of coriander to give the dish a fresh, citrusy flavor.

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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.