B2noun2K

Herb

UK /["/hɜːb/"]/US /["/ɜːrb//hɜːrb/"]/

Definition

a plant whose leaves, flowers or seeds are used to add taste to food, in medicines or for their pleasant smell. parsley, mint and oregano are all herbs.

In simple words: A green plant used to flavor food or for medicine.

Examples

  • a herb garden
  • an herb garden
  • Add a teaspoonful of mixed herbs.
  • Ali recommends taking herbs to facilitate recovery.
  • Serve cold, garnished with fresh herbs.
  • The shop sells a large range of herbs and spices.

Usage notes

Used in cooking or medicine contexts. Not typically used in formal writing about plants in general. Avoid using it in very casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'herb' as 'her balmy garden' where you find fresh flavors.

Collocations

  • dried
  • fresh
  • wild
  • bunch
  • garnish something with
  • add
  • use
  • bed
  • garden
  • species
  • herbs and spices

Synonyms

  • spice
  • plant
  • botanical
  • flavoring
  • seasoning

Antonyms

  • weed

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'herb' vs 'erb' pronunciation in some accents.
  • Using 'herb' only for medicinal plants instead of flavoring.
  • Wrongly pluralizing as 'herbs' in non-culinary contexts.