tomato

[ tuh-mey-toh, -mah- ]

noun

plural tomatoes.

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Lycopersicon, of the nightshade family, native to Mexico and Central and South America, especially the widely cultivated species L. lycopersicum, bearing a mildly acid, pulpy, usually red fruit eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable.
2. the fruit itself.
3. Older Slang: Sometimes Offensive. a girl or woman.

tomato

/ təˈmɑːtəʊ /

noun

1. a solanaceous plant, Lycopersicon (or Lycopersicum ) esculentum, of South America, widely cultivated for its red fleshy many-seeded edible fruits
2. the fruit of this plant, which has slightly acid-tasting flesh and is eaten in salads, as a vegetable, etc
3. slang.
   a girl or woman

Word History and Origins

Origin of tomato¹

1595–1605; 1915–20 tomato fordef 3; earlier tomate < Spanish < Nahuatl tomatl

Word History and Origins

Origin of tomato¹

C17 tomate, from Spanish, from Nahuatl tomatl

Example Sentences

Lemon is its defining flavor — not tomato, not cheese, not even the pasta itself.

From Salon

Much is at stake for California’s agriculture industry, which ships nuts, rice, tomatoes and other products around the world.

From Los Angeles Times

Cook another 30 seconds, then pour in the crushed tomatoes.

From Salon

They can also be added to pasta, whether that’s with tomato sauce or olive oil, garlic and lemon.

From Salon

Once it was out of the oven, he’d add shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes.

From Salon

Related Words

• bunny
• dish