blend
Blend (noun) means a mixture made by combining two or more things smoothly. Example: “The coffee shop's house blend is a mix of three bean varieties.”
How to use blend
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo mix things together smoothly, or the mixture that results.
Word forms
blended past tense, blent past tense, blends plural, blends singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The coffee shop's house _____ is a mix of three bean varieties.
Etymology
From Old English "blandan" or Old Norse "blanda," both meaning "to mix," tracing to a common Germanic root.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for blend
See all rhymes for blend →Frequently asked questions
What does “blend” mean?
The word “blend” means a mixture made by combining two or more things smoothly. In plain terms, to mix things together smoothly, or the mixture that results.
How do you pronounce “blend”?
“Blend” is pronounced blehnd (/blɛnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “blend” in a sentence?
Here is “blend” used in a sentence: “The coffee shop's house blend is a mix of three bean varieties.”
What part of speech is “blend”?
Depending on how it is used, “blend” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “blend” come from?
The word “blend” comes from Old English. From Old English "blandan" or Old Norse "blanda," both meaning "to mix," tracing to a common Germanic root.
Is “blend” a common word?
“Blend” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “blend” have?
“Blend” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mixture made by combining two or more things smoothly.
What is the difference between blend and mix?
To blend something is to combine ingredients so thoroughly that they form a single, smooth result with no separate parts showing. Mixing is broader and can leave the components distinguishable, as in a mixed salad, whereas a blend implies the parts have merged seamlessly.
What is the difference between 'blend in' and 'blend into'?
Both describe merging with your surroundings so you are not noticed, and they are largely interchangeable. 'Blend in' is often used on its own ('she tried to blend in'), while 'blend into' is followed by the thing you merge with ('he blended into the crowd').
What are common collocations with blend?
As a noun, blend often pairs with words like 'a blend of coffee', 'a seamless blend', or 'the perfect blend of flavours'. As a verb it appears in 'blend together', 'blend in', and 'blend smoothly'.
When should you use blend instead of combine?
Use blend when the aim is a smooth, unified result in which the parts are no longer distinct, such as blending spices or colours. Combine is more neutral and simply means bringing things together, without implying they lose their separate identities.