cinnamon

American  

[sin-uh-muhn] / ˈsɪn ə mən /

noun

1. the aromatic inner bark of any of several East Indian trees belonging to the genus Cinnamonum, of the laurel family, especially the bark of C. zeylanicum Ceylon cinnamon, used as a spice, or that of C. loureirii Saigon cinnamon, used in medicine as a cordial and carminative.

2. a tree yielding such bark.

3. any allied or similar tree.

4. a common culinary spice of dried rolled strips of this bark, often made into a powder.

5. cassia.

6. a yellowish or reddish brown.

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adjective

1. (of food) containing or flavored with cinnamon.

2. reddish-brown or yellowish-brown.

cinnamon British  

/ ˈsɪnəmən, ˌsɪnəˈmɒnɪk /

noun

1. a tropical Asian lauraceous tree, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, having aromatic yellowish-brown bark

2. the spice obtained from the bark of this tree, used for flavouring food and drink

3. an E Asian lauraceous tree, Cinnamomum loureirii, the bark of which is used as a cordial and to relieve flatulence

4. any of several similar or related trees or their bark See cassia

5. 1. a light yellowish brown

   2. (as modifier)

      a cinnamon coat

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Other Word Forms

• cinnamic
  adjective
• cinnamoned
  adjective
• cinnamonic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of cinnamon

1400–50; < Latin < Late Greek kínnamon < Semitic (compare Hebrew qinnāmōn ); replacing late Middle English cinamome < Middle French < Latin cinnamōmum < Greek kinnámōmon < Semitic as above

Explanation

Cinnamon is a flavorful spice that comes from the bark of a tree. The tropical tree that produces the spice is also called cinnamon. Cinnamon is a common spice in sweet baked goods like cinnamon rolls and coffee cake. It's also used in savory dishes, particularly in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine. While most people are familiar with the dark reddish-brown ground cinnamon you can shake on your cinnamon toast, it also comes in the form of a short, rolled stick. The Latin source is cinnamum, which was once a term of endearment, as well as the name of the spice.

Example Sentences

Sazerac, whose brands include Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Buffalo Trace bourbon and Parrot Bay rum, initially connected with 818 when the brand did a collaboration with its Traveller Whiskey, created by country singer Chris Stapleton.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Closely held Sazerac has 550 brands, including Buffalo Trace bourbon, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and BuzzBallz ready-to-drink cocktails.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

But even then, I’d find myself quietly thankful for the crispness of Cinnamon Toast Crunch or the convenience of boxed oat milk.

From Salon • Nov. 28, 2024

Colonna Brothers of North Bergen, N.J., recalled 1.5-ounce Ground Cinnamon and 2.25-ounce Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon distributed nationwide and through mail order.

From Salon • Nov. 12, 2024

I run to my room, slamming my bedroom door so hard Nutmeg and Cinnamon dart to the far corner of their cage.

From "Rules" by Cynthia Lord