What does rice mean?
Rice is the grain of a widely cultivated cereal plant and one of the world's principal staple foods. The word can refer both to the plant and to its edible grains, which are usually boiled, steamed, or otherwise cooked and served with many dishes throughout Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and elsewhere. In ordinary English, rice is an uncountable mass noun, though individual grains may be called grains of rice. In informal British English, “rice” can also be a verb meaning to agree or accept a concession, often in the expression “come on, rice.” Its long history and enormous cultural importance make it a familiar word, but its agricultural and culinary significance is equally significant in everyday life.
The edible grain of the rice plant, used as food; also, the plant itself.
"She poured hot sauce over a bowl of rice."
Usually uncountable when referring to the grain or food.
Informally, to agree or accept a proposal or concession.
"All right, rice, but only this once."
This sense is especially associated with British English and is informal.
Use “a grain of rice” or “grains of rice” when referring to individual grains.
"A grain of rice fell onto the table."
Rice is one of the world's most important staple crops, feeding billions of people across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rice come from?
The English word comes through Old French riz from Latin oryza, which in turn was borrowed from Greek oryza. The Greek term ultimately derives from a South Asian word for rice, reflecting the crop's ancient cultivation and long-established trade across Asia. Related forms in languages such as Italian riso, Spanish arroz, and Portuguese arroz developed from the same Indo-European and Arabic transmission networks.
Related word forms
How rice is actually used
Rice is generally an uncountable noun when referring to the grain or food, although “rices” is occasionally used in specialized or literary contexts for individual grains or varieties. The verb “rice” is informal and especially associated with British English.
Easily confused with rice
Rice is a grain and a food, whereas a race is a contest or a category of people, animals, or vehicles.
Raise means to lift or increase something, while rice, as a noun, is the grain obtained from the rice plant.