noun
cilantro
sih-LAHN-troh/sɪˈlɑːntrəʊ/
The fresh leaves of the coriander plant used as an herb.
Fresh cilantro sprigs lie beside chopped leaves on the cutting board.
Etymology
Coriandrum named coriander, the same plant called cilantro. In this cooking sense, the name focuses on its fresh green leaves, while the plant also supplies the aromatic, seed-like fruit used as a spice.
In context
next chicken or vegetable broth is poured into the pot along with fresh corn green chili and cilantro for flavor
More examples
- The salsa contains chopped cilantro.
- He grows cilantro in a pot beside the kitchen window.
- A bunch of cilantro waits on the cutting board.
Forms
cilantro
Similar words
- coriander
- In American usage, cilantro usually means the fresh leaves while coriander often means the seeds.