vanilla

[ vuh-nil-uhor, often, -nel-uh ]

noun

1. any tropical, climbing orchid of the genus Vanilla, especially V. planifolia, bearing podlike fruit yielding an extract used in flavoring food, in perfumery, etc.
2. Also called vanilla bean. the fruit or bean of this orchid.
3. the extract of this fruit.

adjective

1. containing or flavored with vanilla:

   vanilla custard.

2. Informal. plain vanilla.

vanilla

/ vəˈnɪlə /

noun

1. any tropical climbing orchid of the genus Vanilla, esp V. plonifolia, having spikes of large fragrant greenish-yellow flowers and long fleshy pods containing the seeds (beans)
2. the pod or bean of certain of these plants, used to flavour food, etc
3. a flavouring extract prepared from vanilla beans and used in cooking

adjective

1. flavoured with or as if with vanilla

   vanilla ice cream

2. slang.
   ordinary or conventional

   a vanilla kind of guy

Word History and Origins

Origin of vanilla¹

1655–65; < New Latin < Spanish vainilla little pod, equivalent to vain ( a ) a sheath (< Latin vāgīna sheath) + -illa diminutive suffix (< LL)

Word History and Origins

Origin of vanilla¹

C17: from New Latin, from Spanish vainilla pod, from vaina a sheath, from Latin vāgīna sheath

Example Sentences

The aromas the team tested on participants were vanilla, almond, lemon, lemon myrtle, eucalyptus, peppermint, vinegar and lemongrass.

From Science Daily

Leruth began his career as a food chemist and over the course of his life never stopped perfecting his one-of-a-kind and highly regarded vanilla extract.

From Salon

That is very clear to me now, “Oh, they are saying this very vanilla thing, but that is a signal to this country to knock it off.”

From Los Angeles Times

I’ll get chocolate vanilla swirl with a side of four burgers and cheese sauce.

From Los Angeles Times

As well as the usual spices, she adds vanilla, coffee and pumpkin to her candles.

From BBC