vanilla

1 of 2

noun

va·nil·la və-ˈni-lə

-ˈne-

Synonyms of vanilla next

: vanilla bean

: a commercially important extract of the vanilla bean that is used especially as a flavoring

: any of a genus (Vanilla) of tropical American climbing epiphytic orchids

vanilla

2 of 2

adjective

: flavored with vanilla

: lacking distinction : plain, ordinary, conventional

Did you know?

How did vanilla get such a bad rap? The flavor with that name certainly has enough fans, with the bean of the Vanilla genus of orchids finding its way into products ranging from ice cream to coffee to perfumes to air fresheners. Vanilla's unfortunate reputation arose due to its being regarded as the "basic" flavor among ice-cream selections, particularly as more complex flavors emerged on the market. (Its somewhat beigey color probably didn't help.) From there, people began using the adjective to describe anything plain, ordinary, or conventional.

Examples of vanilla in a Sentence

Noun The frosting is flavored with vanilla. Adjective The décor is pretty vanilla. a plain vanilla version of a song that's been recorded more times than necessary

Recent Examples on the Web

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

The bourbon is aged for four years and has heavy notes of vanilla and toffee on the front with a subtle green apple flavor underneath, finishing with hints of honey and tobacco. —

Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 4 Nov. 2024 This combination produces a complex profile with aromas of ryegrass, vanilla and raspberry. —

Rachel King, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Adjective

The court has ruled that the companies must develop a new product formula that does not include vanilla derived from non-vanilla plant sources within 12 months of the settlement’s finalization, according to the news release. —

Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vanilla

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Spanish vainilla "the vanilla plant and fruit," diminutive of vaina "sheath, pod," going back to Latin vāgīna "scabbard, sheath"; replacing earlier vaynilla, borrowed from Spanish

First Known Use

Noun

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of vanilla was in 1662

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Vanilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vanilla. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

vanilla

noun

va·nil·la

və-ˈnil-ə,

-ˈnel-

: a flavoring made from the long pods of a tropical American climbing orchid

also : this orchid or one of the same genus

Medical Definition

vanilla

noun

va·nil·la və-ˈnil-ə

-ˈnel-

: vanilla bean

: a commercially important extract of the vanilla bean that is prepared by soaking comminuted vanilla beans in water and ethyl alcohol and that is used especially as a flavoring (as in pharmaceutical preparations)

: any of a genus (Vanilla) of tropical American climbing orchids

Last Updated: 14 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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vanilla

noun

adjective

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Synonyms

Examples of vanilla in a Sentence

Word History

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Dictionary Entries Near vanilla

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Kids Definition

Medical Definition