ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mustard

n. · adj.
US //ˈməstɝd// UK //mˈʌstəd// mus·tard
  1. 1 food condiment (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

    a thick yellow or brown sauce with a strong, spicy taste that you put on meat or in sandwiches.

    a pungent condiment made from the ground seeds of the mustard plant, often mixed with water, vinegar, or wine.

    Example

    He put a little bit of spicy mustard on his hot dog for extra flavour.

    Example

    The chef prepared a traditional vinaigrette by whisking together Dijon mustard, aged balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.

  2. 2 the plant (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    a plant with yellow flowers that produces the seeds used to make mustard sauce.

    any of several plants in the family Brassicaceae, particularly those with yellow flowers and seeds used for oil or spice.

    Example

    The fields were bright yellow with wild mustard growing everywhere.

    Example

    Farmers in the region rotate their primary crops with mustard to improve soil health and suppress certain pests naturally.

  3. 3 the colour (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a dark, brownish-yellow colour like the condiment.

    a dark, saturated yellow hue resembling the appearance of prepared mustard.

    Example

    She chose a mustard sofa to add a pop of colour to her grey living room.

    Example

    The interior designer recommended mustard accents to complement the mid-century modern aesthetic of the apartment.
  4. 4 physical power (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal American English Sport

    extra energy or speed, especially when throwing a ball.

    physical force, speed, or intensity applied to an action, particularly in sports.

    Example

    The pitcher really put some mustard on that last throw.

    Example

    If the quarterback wants to complete that long pass, he'll need to put a bit more mustard on the ball next time.

    Usage

    Usually used with the verb 'put' as in 'put some mustard on it'.
  5. 5 very good (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang British English

    excellent or very skilled at something.

    highly proficient, impressive, or of excellent quality.

    Example

    That new striker is absolute mustard; he's scored in every game so far.

    Example

    The local band's performance was absolute mustard, drawing a much larger crowd than the venue had anticipated.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very specific British slang term; learners should use it only in very casual settings in the UK.
Origin

From Middle English mustard, from Old French moustarde (French moutarde), from moust (“must”), from Latin mustum. Compare Saterland Frisian Muster (“mustard”), Dutch mosterd (“mustard”), German Low German Musterd (“mustard”), Icelandic mustarður (“mustard”). Displaced Middle English senep, from Old English senep, from Latin sināpi (“mustard”). Sometimes mistakenly thought to come from Latin mustum ardens, but such a Latin phrase is not attested, and it is well understood that that the final -ard is derived from Old French -arde. Doublet of mostarda.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Idioms1 entry

Last updated June 20, 2026