Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fresh herb with bright green, flat or curly leaves, used as a seasoning or garnish: Cilantro refers to the leaves of the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum), prized for their distinctive, pungent flavor in cooking.
   • The plant itself, especially in its leafy stage: It can also refer to the entire herb plant when grown for its leaves.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The salsa recipe calls for fresh cilantro.
  • She chopped the cilantro finely to sprinkle over the tacos.
  • Cilantro is a key ingredient in many Asian and Latin American dishes.

Advanced Usage

• "a bunch of cilantro": a common way to purchase the fresh herb.
  • I need to buy a bunch of cilantro from the market for the curry.
• "cilantro leaves": specifies the part of the plant used, often to distinguish from the seeds (coriander).
  • Garnish the soup with fresh cilantro leaves.

Variants and Related Words

• Coriander: (noun) This is the same plant. In many regions outside North America, "coriander" refers to both the leaves (cilantro) and the seeds. In North American culinary contexts, "coriander" typically refers to the dried seeds, which have a different, warmer flavor.
• Chinese parsley: (noun) Another name for cilantro, reflecting its common use in Asian cuisine.

Synonyms

• Coriander leaves: The most direct synonym, especially in global contexts.
• Fresh coriander: Used interchangeably with cilantro in many countries.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary meaning of cilantro is the leafy herb. It is distinct from coriander seeds, which are a different spice from the same plant. This distinction is particularly strong in American English.

Noun

1. parsley-like herb used as seasoning or garnish
2. Old World herb with aromatic leaves and seed resembling parsley