1
: the berry of a West Indian tree (Pimenta dioica) of the myrtle family
also : the allspice tree
2
: a mildly pungent and aromatic spice prepared from dried allspice berries

Examples of allspice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Spice starts waltzing in via allspice, freshly ground nutmeg, and baked clove. David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 12 May 2026 Stir in the cumin, salt, black pepper and allspice, and cook, stirring constantly, until aromatic, about 20 seconds. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 The shank is a behemoth chunk of meat, marinated in about a pantry’s worth of spices including black cardamon, cinnamon, allspice, marjoram and cocoa powder. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 It's shredded and incorporated into the batter along with flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice (among other ingredients), giving it a wonderful depth of flavor. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for allspice

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of allspice was in 1621

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Allspice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allspice. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: the berry of a West Indian tree related to the myrtle
2
: a spice made from dried allspice berries

Medical Definition

: the berry of a West Indian tree of the genus Pimenta (P. dioica) of the myrtle family
also : the allspice tree

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