What does lemongrass mean?
Lemongrass is an aromatic tropical grass, especially the species Cymbopogon citratus, whose leaves and stalks are valued for their citrus-like scent and flavor. In cooking, the lower stalks are often bruised to release their oils, then simmered in soups, curries, teas, and sauces; the tough outer layers are usually discarded. Lemongrass also appears in household and cosmetic products because of its fresh fragrance. The name combines lemon and grass, although the plant is botanically a grass and its flavor is not simply that of lemon. It has also long been used in traditional herbal preparations, although such uses should not be presented as established medical treatments. For most English speakers, lemongrass is primarily a culinary herb: familiar, aromatic, and culturally associated with Southeast Asian cooking while also prominent in Caribbean, African, and Brazilian cuisines. It is especially useful to writers seeking a readily understood reference to a fragrant plant and ingredient.
nounAn aromatic tropical grass, especially Cymbopogon citratus, whose leaves and stalks have a strong lemon-like scent and flavor. It is widely used as a culinary herb, flavoring, and ingredient in teas, soups, curries, and sauces.
- An aromatic tropical grass of the genus Cymbopogon, especially Cymbopogon citratus, with leaves and stalks that smell and taste strongly of lemon.
- The cut leaves or stalks of the plant used as a culinary herb, flavoring, or infusion.
"She bruised a stalk of lemongrass and added it to the coconut curry."
"The recipe combines coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass."
"Lemongrass oil is widely used in perfumes, soaps, and household products."
Lemongrass is normally an uncountable mass noun when referring to the herb or ingredient. The plural is uncommon and is used when separate plants or clumps are being counted.
"Several lemongrasses are growing in containers along the patio."
One stalk of lemongrass can perfume a whole pot of soup, adding citrusy depth without the acidity of lemon juice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lemongrass come from?
Lemongrass is an English compound formed from lemon and grass. The compound was in use by the early 18th century for aromatic grasses with a lemon-like scent, particularly the plant now known as Cymbopogon citratus. Its history therefore rests on English compound formation rather than a single inherited root, although lemon and grass each have older histories through French, Latin, and Germanic respectively.
How lemongrass is actually used
The word is normally neutral and is especially common in culinary contexts. Both “lemongrass” and “lemon grass” are encountered, although the closed form is the usual dictionary form.
Easily confused with lemongrass
Lemon balm is a mint-family herb with lemon-scented leaves, whereas lemongrass is a true grass usually used as a stalk in cooking.
Citronella grass usually refers to related Cymbopogon grasses used for citronella oil, while culinary lemongrass most often means Cymbopogon citratus.