noun
spice
spys
noun
1
A dried plant substance, such as pepper or cinnamon, used to flavor food.
"The curry was rich with spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander."
"She keeps her spices in small labeled jars above the stove."
2
Something that adds interest, excitement, or flavor to an experience, not necessarily food-related.
"A bit of friendly rivalry adds spice to the weekly quiz night."
"Travel gave their otherwise routine lives some much-needed spice."
verb
1
To season food with spices, or to make something more interesting.
"He spiced the stew with extra chili for a kick."
"The comedian spiced up her set with a few personal stories."
How to Use Spice
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA flavoring for food, or by extension, anything that adds interest or excitement.
Common pairings
a pinch of spice
spice up your life
exotic spices
Word Forms
spiced past tense, spices plural, Spices plural, spices singular
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The curry was rich with _____ like cumin, turmeric, and coriander.
Etymology
From Old French espice, going back to Latin speciēs, originally meaning "kind" or "sort" — the same root that gives us "species."