Tomato

/təˈmeɪ.toʊ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A glossy red, or occasionally yellow, pulpy edible fruit of the nightshade family, usually eaten as a vegetable; often used in salads, sauces, and as a topping.

I added fresh tomato slices to my salad for extra flavor.

The plant of the nightshade family that bears this fruit.

We planted several tomato plants in our garden this year.

A dish made from tomatoes, often a sauce.

She made a delicious tomato sauce to go with the pasta.

Etymology

From Spanish 'tomate', from Nahuatl 'tomatl'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

tomato can

A can containing tomato products, often used in cooking.

to throw a tomato

To express disapproval, typically through boos or negative feedback.

a rotten tomato

Something worthless or of poor quality.

Related Words

ketchup

A condiment made from tomatoes, sugar, and vinegar.

salsa

A spicy sauce often made with tomatoes.

pizza

A dish often topped with tomato sauce and cheese.

Slang Meanings

A term for a homely or unattractive person.

He called her a tomato when she walked in wearing that dress.

Used to refer to a person when comparing them to an attractive object.

Look at her, she’s a real tomato!