herbs
/hɜːrbs/noun★Beginner
formal
Plants with savory or medicinal properties, often used in cooking or traditional medicine.
She added fresh herbs to the salad for extra flavor.
She used dried herbs to season the soup.
💡
Herbs are distinct from spices, which are typically derived from other parts of plants like seeds, bark, or roots.
Collocations
fresh herbsHerbs that have not been dried or processed.dried herbsHerbs that have been dehydrated for preservation.medicinal herbsHerbs used for healing or therapeutic purposes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
herb gardenphrase
A garden specifically cultivated for growing herbs.
herbal medicinephrase
The use of plants for healing purposes.
💡Pro Tip
Storage Tips
Store fresh herbs in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel to extend their freshness.
⚡Gold Rule
Culinary Use
Always add delicate herbs like basil or cilantro at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
📖Word Origin
From Old English 'hyrt', related to the Proto-Germanic 'herbaz', meaning 'grass, plant'.
📝Usage Notes
Herbs are often used in both culinary and medicinal contexts. Common culinary herbs include basil, thyme, and rosemary, while medicinal herbs may include echinacea or ginger.
Word Breakdown
herb
A plant used for flavoring or medicinal purposes.
rootEnglish Dictionary