herb

[/ɜːrb/ or /ɝb/]
nounfemininepl: herbs
erva
1. a plant or part of a plant used for flavoring, food, medicine, or fragrance
Basil is a popular herb used in Italian cooking.
Manjericão é uma erva popular usada na culinária italiana.
2. any plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for medicinal or culinary purposes
She grows medicinal herbs in her garden.
Ela cultiva ervas medicinais em seu jardim.
3. a plant that dies back to the root after flowering each year
Unlike shrubs, herbs are typically soft-stemmed plants.
Diferentemente dos arbustos, as ervas geralmente têm caules macios.
In Brazil, culinary herbs like cilantro (coentro), parsley (salsa), and basil (manjericão) are essential in traditional cuisine. Medicinal herbs hold significant cultural importance in Brazilian folk traditions and are commonly found in markets and street vendors. In the USA, herb gardening is a popular hobby, and fresh herbs are increasingly valued in contemporary cooking as a healthier alternative to processed seasonings.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
plantseasoningspicebotanical

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
erva
standard term used across Brazil for culinary and medicinal plants
Bahia
erva/tempero
often used interchangeably with 'tempero' when referring to culinary herbs
Rio de Janeiro
erva
common usage, particularly in markets and kitchens
Portugal
erva
same translation, though 'planta aromática' may be used for aromatic herbs

Related Words

herbalherbaceousherbalistbotanistspice

Related Idioms & Phrases

as useful as an herb in winter (coisa inútil)
to herb something (temperar com ervas)
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