What does ambrosia mean?
Ambrosia is the legendary food of the gods in Greek mythology, said to grant immortality to those who consumed it. Often paired with nectar — traditionally the gods' drink — it appears throughout classical literature as the substance that set divine beings apart from mortals. Over time, the word broadened beyond mythology: writers use it figuratively for anything exquisitely delicious to eat or wonderfully sweet-smelling, lending a tone of praise or reverence. In the United States, particularly the South, ambrosia also names a beloved dessert salad built from oranges, shredded coconut, and often marshmallows, traditionally served at holidays. Derived from Greek roots meaning 'immortal' or 'undying', the word carries connotations of perfection and rarity. Whether describing a mythical feast, an unforgettable meal, or a festive fruit dish, ambrosia signals something so delightful it seems fit for the divine.
nounThe food or drink of the Greek gods, said to confer immortality on whoever consumes it; by extension, anything with an exceptionally delicious taste or delightful fragrance.
- The food of the Greek gods, conferring immortality.
- Something deliciously fragrant or tasting superbly good.
- A Southern US dessert salad typically made with citrus fruit, coconut, and sometimes marshmallows.
"The dessert was so exquisite that the guests joked they had been served ambrosia."
"Homer describes the gods feasting on ambrosia while mortals looked on in awe."
"Her grandmother's ambrosia salad, piled high with oranges and coconut, was the centerpiece of every holiday table."
Rarely pluralized; the word is usually treated as an uncountable mass noun referring to a substance.
"The banquet tables were laden with ambrosias fit for royalty."
The ancient Greeks believed eating ambrosia made you immortal — and in the American South, its modern namesake is a sweet salad of oranges, coconut, and marshmallows.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ambrosia
Ambrosia comes from the ancient Greek ἀμβροσία (ambrosia), formed from the prefix a- ('not') combined with brotos ('mortal'), literally meaning 'not-mortal' or 'undying' — fitting for the food that conferred immortality. The term entered English in the early modern period through Latin transmission of Greek texts, initially retaining its mythological meaning before developing figurative senses relating to delicious food and fragrance. Its sibling concept, nectar (Greek nektar), was the drink counterpart in myth, and both words remain in use for things of exceptional delight.
Related word forms
How ambrosia is actually used
The word carries a lofty, almost reverent connotation when used figuratively for food or scent. The Southern US 'ambrosia salad' sense is chiefly American and may puzzle British readers.
Easily confused with ambrosia
In Greek myth, nectar was the drink of the gods while ambrosia was their food, though the two terms are often used interchangeably today.