What does sherbet mean?
Sherbet is a type of frozen dessert made from fruit juice or puree, often served as a palate cleanser between courses at a meal. It can also refer to a type of frozen confection made with milk or cream. The term 'sherbet' is used in both British and US English, although the specific connotations and usage may vary between the two varieties. Sherbet is a popular dessert option due to its refreshing and light texture, and it is often served at special occasions or as a sweet treat. The word 'sherbet' has its roots in the Turkish drink 'sharbat', which was made from fruit juice and sugar.
nounA sweet, frozen dessert made from fruit juice or puree, often served as a palate cleanser between courses at a meal. It can also refer to a type of frozen confection made with milk or cream.
- A frozen dessert made from fruit juice or puree.
- A type of frozen confection made with milk or cream.
"The restaurant served a refreshing lemon sherbet to cleanse the palate between the main course and dessert."
"The traditional Turkish drink sherbette was served at the festival."
"The dessert menu featured a variety of sherbets, including raspberry and orange blossom."
The plural form 'sherbets' is used to refer to multiple types or flavors of sherbet.
"The dessert menu featured a variety of sherbet flavors, including raspberry, orange blossom, and lemon."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sherbet
The word 'sherbet' originates from the Turkish drink 'sharbat', which was made from fruit juice and sugar. The term 'sharbat' is derived from the Arabic word 'shariba', which means 'to drink'. Over time, the term 'sherbet' evolved to refer to a type of frozen dessert made from fruit juice or puree. The word 'sherbet' entered the English language in the 17th century, and it has been used to describe a variety of frozen desserts ever since.
How sherbet is actually used
In British English, 'sherbet' often refers specifically to a type of frozen confection made with milk or cream, while in US English, it may refer more broadly to any type of frozen dessert.