noun

allspice

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Allspice (noun) means a spice made from the dried, ground berries of a tropical tree, prized for tasting like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Example: “She stirred a teaspoon of allspice into the mulled wine.”

noun

A spice made from the dried, ground berries of a tropical tree, prized for tasting like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

"She stirred a teaspoon of allspice into the mulled wine."

"The recipe calls for ground allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg."

"He ground whole allspice berries fresh for the marinade."

An evergreen tree from tropical America whose aromatic berries are dried and ground to make the spice.

"Allspice trees grow well in the warm, humid climate of Jamaica."

"They planted a row of allspice along the edge of the farm."

How to use allspice

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA warm, aromatic spice that tastes a bit like several other spices mixed together.

When to use it

A everyday cookery term found in recipes and on spice jars.

Memory tip

Remember that allspice is one single spice, not a mix, even though its name and flavour suggest otherwise.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

ground allspice whole allspice berries a pinch of allspice allspice berries

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “allspice” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She stirred a teaspoon of _____ into the mulled wine.

Etymology

The name joins the words 'all' and 'spice'. Early users thought the berry's flavour combined several familiar spices at once, so it was named as though it contained all of them in one.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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pimento Jamaica pepper

Related words

pimento pimiento paprika

Rhymes for allspice

ice rice mice dice nice vice trice voice price twice juice spice

See all rhymes for allspice →

Frequently asked questions

What is allspice made from?

It is made from the dried, ground unripe berries of a tropical evergreen tree. Despite the name, it comes from a single plant rather than a mixture of spices.

Is allspice a blend of other spices?

No. It only tastes like a blend because its flavour recalls cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves together, which is how it got its name.

Can whole allspice berries be used as well as ground allspice?

Yes, both the whole dried berries and the ground powder are used in cooking, with whole berries often added to slow-cooked dishes and drinks.

What is the meaning of allspice?

"allspice" (noun) means a spice made from the dried, ground berries of a tropical tree, prized for tasting like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

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