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Food and Drink Vocabulary Words – Online Spelling Bee

Vocabulary Lists  >  Food and Drink  >  Food and Drink  >  Spelling Bee

How to Play the Spelling Bee

Learn how to spell Food and Drink vocabulary words with this 48-word English spelling bee. Listen to a word (click the speaker), then try to spell it — or click Show 4 Spelling Options and pick the correct option. Track your progress with red/green feedback to quickly identify areas for improvement.

Correct spellings unlock an example sentence and full definition. Use the dictionary link to view the full entry for each word.

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How to pronounce al-dente (audio)

A cooking style, primarily associated with pasta, where the food is cooked so that it remains firm to the bite.

al-dente

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Spelling Bee: Listen, Spell, Check

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Complete Spelling List for Food and Drink with Part of Speech, IPA, Definitions, Examples, & Etymology

Spell: al-dente (adjective) /æl ˈdɛn teɪ/
Definition: A cooking style, primarily associated with pasta, where the food is cooked so that it remains firm to the bite.
Example Sentence: "The chef's signature dish features al-dente noodles."
Word origin: The adjective 'al-dente' has its etymological origins in Italian, and the term itself is Italian in origin.

Spell: ambrosia (noun) /amˈbrəʊzɪə/
Definition: The food or nectar of the gods, conferring immortality or divine qualities upon those who consume it.
Example Sentence: "The dessert was so exquisite; it tasted like a spoonful of ambrosia from the heavens."
Word origin: The noun 'ambrosia' has its etymological origins in ancient Greek mythology.

Spell: aperitif (noun) /əˈpɛrɪtiːf/
Definition: An alcoholic beverage typically served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
Example Sentence: "The bartender prepared a classic martini as the perfect aperitif for the evening."
Word origin: The noun 'aperitif' has its etymological origins in French and Latin.

Spell: appetizing (adjective) /ˈæp ɪˌtaɪ zɪŋ/
Definition: Visually or aromatically appealing and has the ability to stimulate one's desire for food.
Example Sentence: "The chef skillfully arranged the colorful ingredients on the plate, creating an appetizing and visually appealing dish."
Word origin: The adjective 'appetizing' has its etymological roots in the Old French word 'apetisier,' which means 'to excite the appetite' or 'to stimulate the desire for food.

Spell: a-la-carte (adjective) /ˌɑ lə ˈkɑrt/
Definition: A style of dining or menu option where individual dishes or food items are ordered separately, rather than as part of a fixed or predetermined meal.
Example Sentence: "She appreciated the a-la-carte system at the spa, as it allowed her to choose only the treatments she wanted."
Word origin: The phrase 'à la carte' has its etymological origins in French.

Spell: barista (noun) /bəˈrɪs tə/
Definition: A skilled and knowledgeable person who prepares and serves coffee, particularly in a café or coffeehouse setting.
Example Sentence: "The barista expertly adjusted the espresso machine to extract the perfect shot."
Word origin: The noun 'barista' has a relatively recent etymology that can be traced back to Italian.

Spell: beverage (noun) /ˈbɛv(ə)rɪdʒ/
Definition: A liquid that is specifically prepared for human consumption.
Example Sentence: "The exotic beverage was made from rare ingredients found only in the rainforest."
Word origin: The noun 'beverage' has its etymological origins in the Old French word 'bevrage,' which is derived from the verb 'boivre,' meaning 'to drink.

Spell: bitter (adjective) /ˈbɪt ər/
Definition: Sharp, acrid, and unpleasant, often associated with strong and unsweetened flavors like dark chocolate or black coffee.
Example Sentence: "The bitter cold of winter made stepping outside an arduous task."
Word origin: The adjective 'bitter' has its etymological origins in Old English.

Spell: carafe (noun) /kəˈræf/
Definition: A glass or ceramic container with a narrow neck and a broad base, typically used for serving beverages.
Example Sentence: "The hotel room came with complimentary coffee in a carafe."
Word origin: The noun 'carafe' has a charming etymology rooted in the Arabic language.

Spell: chaser (noun) /ˈtʃeɪ sər/
Definition: A drink consumed immediately after another drink, typically used to follow a strong alcoholic beverage and help mask its taste.
Example Sentence: "The cheetah chased the gazelle across the open savannah."
Word origin: The noun 'chaser' has an etymology related to its function.

Spell: cocktail (noun) /ˈkɒkˌteɪl/
Definition: A mixed drink consisting of two or more ingredients, typically including alcoholic spirits, juices, syrups, or other flavorings.
Example Sentence: "The cocktail menu offered a wide selection of martinis, margaritas, and daiquiris."
Word origin: The noun 'cocktail' has an intriguing etymology that hints at its diverse and mixed nature.

Spell: condiment (noun) /ˈkɒndɪm(ə)nt/
Definition: A substance such as a sauce, spice, or spread that is added to food to enhance its flavor or texture.
Example Sentence: "Mustard, with its bright yellow color, is a beloved condiment."
Word origin: The noun 'condiment' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: culinary (adjective) /ˈkʌlɪn(ə)ri/
Definition: Pertaining to the art, science, or practice of cooking and preparing food.
Example Sentence: "She has a culinary degree from a top cooking school in France."
Word origin: The adjective 'culinary' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: curdle (verb) /ˈkɜr dl/
Definition: To separate a liquid such as milk, cream, or sauce into curds or lumps.
Example Sentence: "Add lemon juice to the warm milk to make it curdle."
Word origin: The verb 'curdle' has its etymological origins in Old English and Middle English.

Spell: delectable (adjective) /dɪˈlɛktəbl/
Definition: Extremely pleasing to the senses, especially to the sense of taste.
Example Sentence: "The bakery is known for its delectable pastries, which are both flaky and buttery."
Word origin: The adjective 'delectable' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: delicacy (noun) /ˈdɛlɪkəsi/
Definition: A rare or expensive food that is considered to be especially delicious or luxurious.
Example Sentence: "Caviar is a delicacy that is often served with champagne."
Word origin: The noun 'delicacy' has its etymological origins in Latin and Old French.

Spell: devour (verb) /dɪˈvaʊə/
Definition: To consume something, typically food, with great eagerness, speed, and enthusiasm.
Example Sentence: "Raccoons sneak in, skillful and swift, to devour the leftovers in the moonlight."
Word origin: The verb 'devour' has its etymological origins in Old French and Latin.

Spell: digestif (noun) /di ʒɛˈstif/
Definition: A beverage, typically an alcoholic drink, consumed after a meal to aid in digestion.
Example Sentence: "I always enjoy sipping on a digestive liqueur to aid digestion."
Word origin: The term 'digestif' has its roots in the Latin word 'digestus,' which is the past participle of 'digere,' meaning 'to digest.

Spell: edacity (noun) /ɪˈdæs ɪ ti/
Definition: A quality or state of being excessively eager to consume or devour, especially in terms of food or resources.
Example Sentence: "She approached the buffet with edacity, piling her plate with heaps of food."
Word origin: The noun 'edacity' has its etymological roots in the Latin language.

Spell: epicure (noun) /ˈɛp ɪˌkyʊər/
Definition: An individual who has a refined and sophisticated appreciation for fine food and drink.
Example Sentence: "He was known among his friends as an epicure with refined taste buds."
Word origin: The noun 'epicure' has its etymological origins in ancient Greece.

Spell: famished (adjective) /ˈfamɪʃt/
Definition: Extremely hungry, often to the point of feeling weak and desperate for sustenance.
Example Sentence: "The refugees were famished, and had not had a proper meal in days."
Word origin: The adjective 'famished' has its etymological origins in Old French and Latin.

Spell: garnish (verb) /ˈɡɑːnɪʃ/
Definition: To decorate or enhance the appearance of a dish or drink, usually by adding a small amount of food as a decoration or to complement the flavors.
Example Sentence: "In classy cafes, to garnish drinks is a beloved ritual for enhanced presentation."
Word origin: The verb 'garnish' has its etymological origins in Old French.

Spell: gastronome (noun) /ˈgæs trəˌnoʊm/
Definition: A person who is passionate and knowledgeable about fine food and dining.
Example Sentence: "The gastronome savored each bite of the meticulously prepared dish, analyzing its flavors and textures."
Word origin: The noun 'gastronome' has its etymological origins in the French language.

Spell: glutton (noun) /ˈɡlʌtn/
Definition: A person who eats and drinks excessively and has little self-control when it comes to food.
Example Sentence: "The cat was a glutton for tuna treats."
Word origin: The noun 'glutton' has its etymological origins in Old French and Latin.

Spell: gourmand (noun) /ˈɡʊəmənd/
Definition: A person who is passionate about food and enjoys eating and cooking high-quality and elaborate meals.
Example Sentence: "With an insatiable appetite, the gourmand ventured into the new Italian restaurant."
Word origin: The noun 'gourmand' has its etymological origins in French.

Spell: gourmet (noun) /ˈɡʊəmeɪ/
Definition: Of exceptional quality, taste, and sophistication, particularly concerning food and culinary experiences.
Example Sentence: "She prepared a gourmet meal for her guests, featuring delicacies from around the world."
Word origin: The noun 'gourmet' has its etymological origins in French.

Spell: graze (verb) /greɪz/
Definition: The act of feeding on grass or other vegetation by nibbling or cropping it with the teeth.
Example Sentence: "The sheep graze on the green hillside."
Word origin: The verb 'graze' has its origins in Middle English and can be traced back to the Old English word 'græsian,' which meant 'to feed on grass.

Spell: hooch (noun) /hutʃ/
Definition: A colloquial term that refers to illicitly produced or homemade alcoholic beverages.
Example Sentence: "In the era of Prohibition, many people resorted to making and consuming hooch."
Word origin: The term 'hooch' is believed to have originated during the late 19th or early 20th century in the United States, particularly in the context of the Prohibition era.

Spell: imbibe (verb) /ɪmˈbaɪb/
Definition: To drink or consume a liquid, typically referring to alcoholic beverages or other drinks.
Example Sentence: "She always makes sure to imbibe plenty of water on hot days."
Word origin: The verb 'imbibe' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: inedible (adjective) /ɪnˈɛd ə bəl/
Definition: Not suitable or safe to be eaten due to its unpleasant taste, toxicity, or lack of nutritional value.
Example Sentence: "The dog quickly learned that the houseplant was inedible after a single taste."
Word origin: The adjective 'inedible' can be traced back to its Latin origins.

Spell: ingest (verb) /ɪnˈdʒɛst/
Definition: To take in or consume food, drink, or other substances through the mouth.
Example Sentence: "The scientist will ingest the experimental drug for analysis."
Word origin: The verb 'ingest' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: liquor (noun) /ˈlɪk ər/
Definition: Any alcoholic beverage that is produced through the process of fermentation or distillation.
Example Sentence: "They enjoyed a cocktail made with premium liquor at the rooftop bar."
Word origin: The noun 'liquor' has its etymological origins in Latin and Old French.

Spell: morsel (noun) /ˈmɔːsl/
Definition: A small piece or quantity of food, often one that is delicately or finely prepared.
Example Sentence: "The chef's tasting menu included a delightful morsel of foie gras."
Word origin: The noun 'morsel' has its etymological origins in Old English.

Spell: nightcap (noun) /ˈnaɪtˌkæp/
Definition: A beverage, typically alcoholic, consumed before going to bed or as a way to wind down in the evening.
Example Sentence: "He poured himself a small glass of whiskey as a soothing nightcap."
Word origin: The noun 'nightcap,' referring to a beverage, often alcoholic, consumed before going to bed or as a way to wind down in the evening, has an interesting etymology.

Spell: palatable (adjective) /ˈpalɪtəbl/
Definition: Pleasing or acceptable to the taste, or to one's sense of reason in general.
Example Sentence: "After adding sugar, the bitter coffee became more palatable."
Word origin: The adjective 'palatable' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: peckish (adjective) /ˈpɛk ɪʃ/
Definition: Mildly hungry or having a slight appetite.
Example Sentence: "The aroma of freshly baked cookies made me feel peckish."
Word origin: The adjective 'peckish,' denoting a mild hunger or having a slight appetite, has its origins in British English slang.

Spell: quaff (verb) /kwɒf/
Definition: To drink something, usually an alcoholic beverage, in large gulps, or with great enthusiasm.
Example Sentence: "In the height of summer, they would quaff lemonade under the shade of a large oak tree."
Word origin: The verb 'quaff' has its etymological origins in Middle English and Old English.

Spell: quench (verb) /kwɛn(t)ʃ/
Definition: To satisfy a thirst, desire, or need by providing relief or fulfillment.
Example Sentence: "The firefighters worked to quench the flames before they could spread."
Word origin: The verb 'quench' has its etymological origins in Old English.

Spell: ravenous (adjective) /ˈravənəs/
Definition: Intense hunger, particularly an insatiable appetite, often associated with a sense of urgency or desperation.
Example Sentence: "The lion was ravenous after days without food."
Word origin: The adjective 'ravenous' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: recipe (noun) /ˈrɛs ə pi/
Definition: A set of instructions or a formula that outlines the specific ingredients and procedures required to prepare a particular dish or beverage.
Example Sentence: "The cookbook had a wide variety of recipes for every occasion."
Word origin: The noun 'recipe' has a fascinating etymology rooted in Latin.

Spell: savory (adjective) /ˈseɪv(ə)ri/
Definition: Describing something that is pleasantly salty or spicy, often used to enhance the taste of food.
Example Sentence: "The steak was cooked to perfection and had a deliciously savory flavor."
Word origin: The adjective 'savory' has its etymological origins in Old English and Latin.

Spell: scrumptious (adjective) /ˈskrʌmp ʃəs/
Definition: Exceptionally delicious or mouthwatering.
Example Sentence: "The aroma of the scrumptious barbecue ribs wafted through the air, making everyone's mouths water."
Word origin: The adjective 'scrumptious' carries with it a delightful history of tastiness.

Spell: smorgasbord (noun) /ˈsmɔːɡəsbɔːd/
Definition: A type of meal that features a variety of dishes, often including both hot and cold items, and is typically served buffet-style.
Example Sentence: "The restaurant's lunch menu was a smorgasbord of salads, soups, and sandwiches."
Word origin: The noun 'smorgasbord' has its etymological origins in Swedish.

Spell: succulent (adjective) /ˈsʌkjʊlənt/
Definition: Juicy and tender, typically referring to the texture and moisture content of food.
Example Sentence: "The steak was cooked to perfection, with succulent juices oozing out with every bite."
Word origin: The adjective 'succulent' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: surfeit (noun) /ˈsəːfɪt/
Definition: An excessive amount of something, often to the point of causing discomfort or illness.
Example Sentence: "The market had a surfeit of tomatoes due to the bountiful harvest."
Word origin: The noun 'surfeit' has its etymological origins in Old French and Latin.

Spell: sustenance (noun) /ˈsʌstɪnəns/
Definition: Food and drink that is necessary for maintaining life and health.
Example Sentence: "The farmer worked hard to provide sustenance for his family and community."
Word origin: The noun 'sustenance' has its etymological origins in Latin and Old French.

Spell: swallow (verb) /ˈswɒl oʊ/
Definition: To take something, usually food or liquid, into the mouth and down into the digestive system through the throat.
Example Sentence: "The snake can swallow prey much larger than itself."
Word origin: The verb 'swallow' traces its linguistic roots back to the Old English word 'swelgan,' which is akin to the Old Norse word 'svelgja.

Spell: tipple (verb) /ˈtɪp əl/
Definition: To consume alcoholic beverages in moderate quantities, often in a social or leisurely context.
Example Sentence: "The group of friends would tipple cocktails while chatting at the rooftop bar."
Word origin: The verb 'tipple' can be traced back to its root word 'tippler.

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