allspice
Americannoun
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the dried, unripe berries of an aromatic tropical American tree, Pimenta dioica, used whole or ground as a spice.
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the tree itself.
noun
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a tropical American myrtaceous tree, Pimenta officinalis, having small white flowers and aromatic berries
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the whole or powdered seeds of this berry used as a spice, having a flavour said to resemble a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of allspice
Explanation
Allspice is a pungent ground spice that's used in various kinds of baking and cooking. The flavor of allspice is particularly important in jerk chicken and other Caribbean dishes. Allspice was first imported from Jamaica to England in the 16th century. Its distinct flavor, which resembles a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, inspired the English name allspice, and some historians credit a physician who accompanied Christopher Columbus with coining the name. The tree which produces the fruit is called an allspice as well, also known as a Jamaican pepper tree.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Allspice and Benedictine add richness and complexity before you dry things out with a bottle of Brut-style bubbly.
From Washington Post • Dec. 16, 2021
Allspice is a great option if you need a substitute for ginger is a hearty stew, like Jamaican beef stew.
From Salon • Oct. 20, 2021
This tree, Pimenta berciliae, is related to the tree that brings us Allspice, a vital ingredient in food and beauty products.
From BBC • Dec. 20, 2018
FRI Learn Schottis Swedish folk dance, 7:30 p.m., dance to music by Allspice, 8:30 p.m.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 1, 2018
Growing best in good fairly moist loam, where partial shade is afforded, the sides of woodland drives and paths will suit this Allspice well; but it wants plenty of room for branch-development.
From Hardy Ornamental Flowering Trees and Shrubs by Webster, Angus Duncan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
