noun

lemongrass

LEM-uhn-grass

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Lemongrass (noun) means a grass of the genus Cymbopogon, especially Cymbopogon citratus, that has a lemon-like taste and smell and is used in cooking, tea and fragrance. Example: “She added a stalk of lemongrass to the soup for a citrus note.”

noun

A grass of the genus Cymbopogon, especially Cymbopogon citratus, that has a lemon-like taste and smell and is used in cooking, tea and fragrance.

"She added a stalk of lemongrass to the soup for a citrus note."

"Lemongrass tea is often drunk for its fresh, lemony flavour."

"The garden bed was planted with lemongrass for the kitchen."

How to use lemongrass

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLemongrass is a tall, fragrant grass with a lemony taste, widely used in cooking and tea.

When to use it

Lemongrass is an everyday word used in cooking and gardening contexts.

Memory tip

It is usually treated as an uncountable noun, as in "a stalk of lemongrass" rather than "a lemongrass".

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Common pairings

stalk of lemongrass lemongrass tea fresh lemongrass lemongrass oil

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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”.

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Can you complete this real example?

She added a stalk of _____ to the soup for a citrus note.

Etymology

Lemongrass is a compound formed in English simply by joining lemon and grass, reflecting the plant's lemon-like scent.

Origin: English

Frequently asked questions

What is lemongrass used for?

Lemongrass is used in cooking, for making tea, and for its fragrance.

Which lemongrass species is most common in cooking?

Cymbopogon citratus is the species most often used for its lemon-like taste and aroma.

Does lemongrass taste like lemon?

Yes, it has a citrus, lemon-like flavour and aroma, which is where its name comes from.

What is the meaning of lemongrass?

"lemongrass" (noun) means a grass of the genus Cymbopogon, especially Cymbopogon citratus, that has a lemon-like taste and smell and is used in cooking, tea and fragrance.