cilantro

noun

ci·​lan·​tro si-ˈlän-(ˌ)trō How to pronounce cilantro (audio) -ˈlan- How to pronounce cilantro (audio)
: leaves of coriander used as a flavoring or garnish
also : coriander sense 1

Examples of cilantro 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.
Buildup was also found inside the microwave in the kitchen, and bundles of cilantro were sitting on top of a wiping cloth on the prep table in the kitchen. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 In a food processor, combine the tomatillos, avocado, shallot, cilantro, spinach, jalapeño, lime juice and salt. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 Serve with rice, lime wedges, whole red chiles, basil leaves, mint leaves, cilantro leaves, lettuce, the tamarind sauce, and the garlic-ginger sauce. — Emma Specter, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026 Combine the roasted tomatillo, onion, garlic, pumpkin seeds, cilantro, and 1/2 cup water in a food processor. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cilantro

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, coriander, from Medieval Latin celiandrum, alteration of Latin coriandrum — more at coriander

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cilantro was in 1903

Browse Nearby Words

Cilacap
cilantro
Cilegon
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cilantro.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cilantro. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cilantro

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cilantro

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