cinnamon
noun
Note: Ceylon cinnamon comes from a tree (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) of Sri Lanka and southern India and is usually considered to be true cinnamon. Chinese cinnamon, Indonesian cinnamon, and Saigon cinnamon come from several related trees and typically comprise most of the less expensive cinnamon spice sold in stores. This spice, also known as cassia, tends to have a stronger, spicier character than true cinnamon.
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Cinnamon is a spice produced from a bushy evergreen tree of the laurel family. The tree is native to Sri Lanka, India, and Burma and cultivated in South America and the West Indies for the spice, which is prepared from its dried inner bark. The light-brown spice has a delicately fragrant aroma and warm, sweet flavor. It was once more valuable than gold. The oil is distilled from bark fragments for use in food, liqueur, drugs, and perfume.
Examples of cinnamon in a Sentence
Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2024
The sweet smell of cafe de olla — coffee with cinnamon and sugar — wafts through the tiny dining room and order counter.
—Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2024
The drink menu includes craft cocktails like an ancho margarita made with grapefruit and cinnamon, and Patio Views, a drink made with gin, watermelon and coconut.
—The Arizona Republic, 15 Apr. 2024
When filled with nuts, the cookie is scented with aromas of rose water, water, orange blossom, water and cinnamon.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024
There are notes of honey, brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, black pepper, Meyer lemon, and cinnamon on the palate, making this a suitable sipping bourbon that would also work very well in cocktails.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Apr. 2024
Spice: Add a hint of ground cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to the cake batter for a touch of warmth.
—Pam Lolley, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2024
Combine the lemon juice, ½ cup olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon and red pepper flakes in a large bowl, then whisk to combine.
—Sam Sifton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024
Papa Pete’s Mini Donuts: Keeping it simple — cinnamon and sugar.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 2 Apr. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Cinnamon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cinnamon. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
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cinnamon
noun
Medical Definition
cinnamon
noun
Note: A typically mild and somewhat sweet, tan to light brown cinnamon comes from a tree (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) of Sri Lanka and southern India, and is usually considered to be true cinnamon. Cinnamon that comes from several related trees (such as the Chinese cinnamon) typically accounts for most of the less expensive cinnamon spice sold in stores. This spice, also known as cassia, tends to have a stronger, spicier character than true cinnamon.
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