A1noun1K

Tomato

UK /["/təˈmɑːtəʊ/"]/US /["/təˈmeɪtəʊ/"]/

Definition

a soft fruit with a lot of juice and shiny red skin that is eaten as a vegetable either raw or cooked

In simple words: A round red fruit that people eat.

Examples

a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich
sliced/chopped tomatoes
tomato plants
tomato sauce/soup/juice
tomato paste/puree
sun-dried tomatoes
Demonstrators threw rotten tomatoes at the car.
It smells great, like ripe tomatoes.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal settings. Appropriate in cooking contexts, discussions about food, or gardening. Not used in abstract contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'tom-a-to' as a 'tasty red orb' on your dinner plate.

Collocations

fresh
ripe
rotten
eat
have
chop
juice
ketchup
paste

Synonyms

fruit
vegetable
produce
berry

Common mistakes

Confused with 'potato' due to similar spelling.
Thinking it's a vegetable instead of a fruit.
Mispronouncing it as 'to-mah-to' instead of 'to-may-to'.