plain-vanilla

[ pleyn-vuh-nil-uh ]

/ ˈpleɪn vəˈnɪl ə /

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adjective Informal.

having no embellishments, extra equipment, elaborate packaging, etc.; plain; simple; down-to-earth: I want a plain-vanilla car without a lot of chrome trim.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of plain-vanilla

In allusion to vanilla ice cream, taken to be the most basic flavor

How to use plain-vanilla in a sentence

Even plain vanilla is dazzling—smooth and pure beyond description.
Dr. Mike’s Makes the Best Ice Cream on Earth|Jane & Michael Stern|July 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As a plain-vanilla candidate, Romney is never going to win the excitement primary.
Mitt Romney, Boring Genius?|Howard Kurtz|June 27, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Howard Kurtz on why the quietest campaign may be just the ticket for the plain-vanilla front-runner.
Mitt Romney, Boring Genius?|Howard Kurtz|June 27, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Putting all that money into a plain-vanilla S&P 500 index fund would have lost us just 4.4 percent during that time.
Our Crashing Portfolio|Duff McDonald|May 4, 2009|DAILY BEAST

"A plain vanilla—please rush it along," commanded the stranger.
The Daughter of Anderson Crow|George Barr McCutcheon
For ice cream have a boat of plain vanilla filled with luscious fresh strawberries.
Dinners and Luncheons|Paul Pierce
Pee-wee ordered plain vanilla, because one color always looks bigger than two.
Roy Blakeley's Silver Fox Patrol|Percy Keese Fitzhugh
“I think I shall have plain vanilla,” added Aunt Betty, laughing.
Dorothy's Tour|Evelyn Raymond

plain-vanilla

Origin of plain-vanilla

Words related to plain-vanilla

How to use plain-vanilla in a sentence