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noun

sarsaparilla

sahs-puh-RIH-luh

Sarsaparilla (noun) means a tropical vine with fragrant roots, traditionally used to flavour drinks and folk remedies. Example: “The roots of sarsaparilla were once brewed as a tonic.”

noun
1
A tropical vine with fragrant roots, traditionally used to flavour drinks and folk remedies.
"The roots of sarsaparilla were once brewed as a tonic."
2
A sweet, root-flavoured soft drink similar to root beer.
"He ordered a cold glass of sarsaparilla at the old-fashioned soda counter."

How to use sarsaparilla

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA plant used to flavour an old-fashioned soft drink similar to root beer.

Common pairings
sarsaparilla root glass of sarsaparilla

Word forms

sarsaparillas plural

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

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Can you complete this real example?

The roots of _____ were once brewed as a tonic.

Etymology

From Spanish "zarzaparrilla," likely combining a Basque-derived word for "bramble" with "parrilla" ("little vine").

Origin: Spanish

Rhymes for sarsaparilla

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Frequently asked questions

What does “sarsaparilla” mean?

The word “sarsaparilla” means a tropical vine with fragrant roots, traditionally used to flavour drinks and folk remedies. In plain terms, a plant used to flavour an old-fashioned soft drink similar to root beer.

How do you pronounce “sarsaparilla”?

“Sarsaparilla” is pronounced sahs-puh-RIH-luh (/ˌsæspəˈɹɪlə/ in IPA).

How do you use “sarsaparilla” in a sentence?

Here is “sarsaparilla” used in a sentence: “The roots of sarsaparilla were once brewed as a tonic.”

What part of speech is “sarsaparilla”?

“Sarsaparilla” is a noun.

Where does the word “sarsaparilla” come from?

The word “sarsaparilla” comes from Spanish. From Spanish "zarzaparrilla," likely combining a Basque-derived word for "bramble" with "parrilla" ("little vine").

How many meanings does “sarsaparilla” have?

“Sarsaparilla” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tropical vine with fragrant roots, traditionally used to flavour drinks and folk remedies.

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