First Known Use: 1662
Dictionary
1vanilla
noun va·nil·la \və-ˈni-lə, -ˈne-\
: a dark substance that is made from the beans of a tropical plant and that is used to flavor food
Full Definition of VANILLA
1
a : vanilla bean b : a commercially important extract of the vanilla bean that is used especially as a flavoring
2
: any of a genus (Vanilla) of tropical American climbing epiphytic orchids
See vanilla defined for English-language learners
See vanilla defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of VANILLA
New Latin, from Spanish vainilla vanilla (plant and fruit), diminutive of vaina sheath, from Latin vagina sheath, vagina
2vanilla
adjective
: having the flavor of vanilla
: not having any special features or qualities
Full Definition of VANILLA
1
: flavored with vanilla
2
: lacking distinction : plain, ordinary, conventional
See vanilla defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of VANILLA
1846
Related to VANILLA
- Synonyms
- beige, characterless, faceless, featureless, indistinctive, neutral, noncommital, nondescript
VANILLA Defined for Kids
vanilla
noun va·nil·la \və-ˈni-lə, -ˈne-\
Definition of VANILLA for Kids
: a substance extracted from vanilla beans and used as a flavoring especially for sweet foods and beverages
Medical Dictionary
vanilla
noun va·nil·la \və-ˈnil-ə, -ˈnel-\
Medical Definition of VANILLA
1
a : vanilla bean b : 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)
2
: any of a genus (Vanilla) of tropical American climbing orchids
Learn More About VANILLA
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: vanilla beanPrevious Word in the Dictionary: van Hoorne's canalAll Words Near: vanilla
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up vanilla? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).