wild rice

American  

noun

1. a tall aquatic grass, Zizania aquatica, of northeastern North America.

2. the grain of this plant, used for food.

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wild rice British  

noun

1. another name for Indian rice

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Etymology

Origin of wild rice

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

The company normalized now-common food items such as wild rice and almond butter.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2025

Pure wild rice is best for this dish, but in a pinch, you can certainly use a mix.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2025

With "Top Chef" heading to Canada this season, it's a perfect time to highlight one of the country's most distinctive staples: wild rice.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2025

The new state seal features a loon amid wild rice.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024

There were several makuks of wild rice from the fall’s gathering, though the harvest had been so poor.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich

Related Words

• brown rice