vanilla

[ vuh-nil-uhor, often, -nel-uh ]

noun

1. any tropical, climbing orchid of the genus Vanilla, especially V. planifolia, bearing podlike fruit yielding an extract used in flavoring food, in perfumery, etc.
2. Also called vanilla bean. the fruit or bean of this orchid.
3. the extract of this fruit.

adjective

1. containing or flavored with vanilla:

   vanilla custard.

2. Informal. plain vanilla.

vanilla

/ vəˈnɪlə /

noun

1. any tropical climbing orchid of the genus Vanilla, esp V. plonifolia, having spikes of large fragrant greenish-yellow flowers and long fleshy pods containing the seeds (beans)
2. the pod or bean of certain of these plants, used to flavour food, etc
3. a flavouring extract prepared from vanilla beans and used in cooking

adjective

1. flavoured with or as if with vanilla

   vanilla ice cream

2. slang.
   ordinary or conventional

   a vanilla kind of guy

Word History and Origins

Origin of vanilla¹

1655–65; < New Latin < Spanish vainilla little pod, equivalent to vain ( a ) a sheath (< Latin vāgīna sheath) + -illa diminutive suffix (< LL)

Word History and Origins

Origin of vanilla¹

C17: from New Latin, from Spanish vainilla pod, from vaina a sheath, from Latin vāgīna sheath

Example Sentences

The conversation was mostly vanilla for the outspoken Musk, but he did weigh in on the country’s struggles to administer a coronavirus vaccine quickly enough to as many people as possible.

From Washington Post

Add the vanilla extract or paste and salt, and increase the speed to high.

From Washington Post

Make sure the flavored powder you’re looking at isn’t adding a ton of extra artificial flavoring or calories just to make it taste like vanilla.

From Popular-Science

For Miller, it’s the Prediction Survey, where respondents get rewarded for calling the races, that chart the best course between the plain vanilla polls and the betting prices.

From Fortune

They picked out “artificial vanilla,” “weird” and “truly terrible chocolate flavor — and lots of other from-the-lab delights.”

From Washington Post

Think back to the Bush-Kerry race of 2004, the Thrilla in Vanilla.

From The Daily Beast

Meanwhile younger, lighter colors evoke citrus and tree fruits, candy sugars and vanilla toffee.

From The Daily Beast

I drive a Prius, enjoy Vanilla lattes, and am married to a man.

From The Daily Beast

On low speed, add the vanilla, then the eggs, one at a time.

From The Daily Beast

Even plain vanilla is dazzling—smooth and pure beyond description.

From The Daily Beast

Dinner is not bright, but yesterday we were blessed with a pudding of rice strongly flavoured with vanilla.

From Project Gutenberg

Th' officers dhrink nawthin' sthronger thin vanilla an' sthrawberry mixed.

From Project Gutenberg

They were Mellin's Food for Infants, and we bought six at half a crown each; also some mixed herbs, and essence of vanilla.

From Project Gutenberg

I think I would like to have some bread with banana butter on and a glass of milk with vanilla flavoring.

From Project Gutenberg

The ice-cream was a nice vanilla, and on each glass was put one fine large strawberry.

From Project Gutenberg