plural spices
1
: a plant product (such as pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, or ginger) that is used to season or flavor foods and is usually comprised of seeds, fruits, bark, or rhizomes that have been dried and typically ground
2
3
: a pungent or fragrant odor : perfume
spiced; spicing
1
: to season with spices
2
: to add zest or relish to
cynicism spiced with humor—
J. W. Dawson
—often used with up
J. W. DawsonSynonyms
Examples of spice in a Sentence
Noun
The soup needs a little more spice.
a cologne for men that captures all of the spice of the sea
Verb
I spiced the chicken with ginger.
spice the stew with more pepper
Recent Examples on the Web
Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025
If red is the move, an aged Montepulciano from Abruzzo brings dark fruit and earthy charm, while a classic Rioja Crianza, with its warm spice and subtle oak, is always a safe—and seductive—bet.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025
Homero De La Fuente, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025
Even hot wings can't stop Lady Gaga from spicing things up in couture!
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for spice 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Whole spices will hold onto their flavor and aroma for about two to four years, according to USDA.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025
If red is the move, an aged Montepulciano from Abruzzo brings dark fruit and earthy charm, while a classic Rioja Crianza, with its warm spice and subtle oak, is always a safe—and seductive—bet.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
Regarding the long breaks in between and during each game, which drew criticism from some of the players, Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving praised the NBA’s attempt to spice up the game.
—Homero De La Fuente, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025
Even hot wings can't stop Lady Gaga from spicing things up in couture!
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for spice
Dictionary Entries Near spice
Cite this Entry
“Spice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spice. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share