Meaning & Definition of word "Vanilla"

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    Vanilla

    /vəˈnɪlə/

    noun:

    • 1. a widely used flavoring derived from the pods of the vanilla orchid.
      • Example: I prefer vanilla ice cream over chocolate.
    • 2. the plant of the orchid family that produces vanilla pods.
      • Example: We visited a farm where they grow vanilla.

    adjective:

    • 1. plain, basic, or lacking in special features.
      • Example: The design of the software was quite vanilla, with no advanced features.
    • 2. not having any unusual, distinctive, or remarkable qualities.
      • Example: He preferred vanilla options that were safe and popular.

    Etymology

    From Spanish 'vainilla', diminutive of 'vaina' meaning 'pod'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    vanilla extract:

    A concentrated flavoring made from vanilla beans.

    vanilla flavor:

    A taste derived from vanilla used in various desserts.

    vanilla ice cream:

    Ice cream flavored with vanilla.

    vanilla model:

    A standard or basic model that lacks features.

    Related Words

    flavor:

    A distinctive taste.

    scent:

    A pleasant smell.

    bean:

    The seed of a plant used as flavoring.

    Slang Meanings of vanilla

    Meaning: Something that is conventional or lacking excitement.

    Example Sentence: That movie was so vanilla, I almost fell asleep.

    Meaning: Used to describe a person who is conservative or lacks adventurousness.

    Example Sentence: He’s a bit vanilla; he never tries anything new.