spice

1 of 2

noun

ˈspīs 

plural spices

1

: a plant product (such as pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, or ginger) that is used to season or flavor foods and is usually comprised of seeds, fruits, bark, or rhizomes that have been dried and typically ground

2

a

archaic : a small portion, quantity, or admixture : dash

b

: something that gives zest or relish

Variety's the very spice of life …

—William Cowper

3

: a pungent or fragrant odor : perfume

spiceless

ˈspīs-ləs 

adjective

spiceless food

spice

2 of 2

verb

spiced; spicing

transitive verb

1

: to season with spices

2

: to add zest or relish to

cynicism spiced with humor

—J. W. Dawson

—often used with up

Synonyms

Noun

• aroma
• attar
• otto
• balm
• bouquet
• fragrance
• fragrancy
• incense
• perfume
• redolence
• scent

Verb

• flavor
• lace
• savor
• savour
• season

Examples of spice in a Sentence

Noun

The soup needs a little more spice.

a cologne for men that captures all of the spice of the sea

Verb

I spiced the chicken with ginger.

spice the stew with more pepper

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Try oatmeal: Cold in overnight oats Hot in baked oatmeal Added to muffins and other baked goods Blended and used as breadcrumbs and protein bites Oatmeal is warm and comforting when prepared with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice. —Karina Tolentino, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024

In the finish, these sturdy tasting notes split open to reveal sandalwood spice that lingers for several beats. —Brad Japhe, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Verb

This set is perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or spicing up his favorite recipes. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 31 Oct. 2024

In this twisty thriller, a group of college pals reunite for a night of pre-wedding festivities, which are spiced up by a dangerous game. —Eric Andersson, People.com, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French espece, espis, from Late Latin species product, wares, drugs, spices, from Latin, appearance, species — more at species

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spice

• five-spice powder
• pumpkin pie spice
• pumpkin spice
• spice rack
• variety is the spice of life

Kids Definition

spice

1 of 2 noun

ˈspīs 

1

: a plant product (as pepper or nutmeg) that has a strong pleasant smell and is used to season or flavor food

2

: something that adds interest

variety is the spice of life

3

: a fragrant odor : perfume

spice

2 of 2 verb

spiced; spicing

: to season with or as if with spices