WordGarden.ioambrosia
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /æmbrˈəʊziə/
US
- /æmˈbroʊʒə/
Meanings
Noun
a sweet fruit-and-cream dessert or fruit salad, especially in US cooking
the food of the gods in Greek and Roman mythology
something especially delicious or pleasing to taste or smell
More meaningsFewer meanings
a genus of flowering plants that includes ragweeds
Beyond the definition
In Greek mythology, ambrosia was the food—and sometimes drink—of the immortal gods. It granted them eternal life and youth! But even if you aren't dining on Mount Olympus, "ambrosia" can describe anything incredibly delicious or sweet-smelling. Think of a perfectly ripe peach, a garden of fragrant flowers, or a particularly heavenly dessert. It evokes a sense of pure pleasure and delight. You might say your grandmother's apple pie is "like ambrosia"—meaning it's unbelievably good!
The word "ambrosia" comes straight from ancient Greek mythology. The gods were said to feast on ambrosia, a divine food believed to grant immortality and eternal youth. It wasn't just sustenance; it was the very essence of their power and eternal life. In the old stories, it often appears alongside nectar (their drink), and sometimes as a sweet-smelling substance linked with the divine.
Today, we don't believe in literal food for the gods, but "ambrosia" still carries a powerful connotation of exquisite taste and fragrance. It's used to describe anything exceptionally delicious or sweet-smelling—often with a hint of otherworldly perfection.
You might hear it used poetically: "The scent of jasmine filled the air like ambrosia." Or in everyday conversation, describing a particularly delightful dish: "This peach cobbler is absolute ambrosia!" There is even a famous American fruit salad simply called "ambrosia"—a creamy, sweet concoction often made with oranges, pineapple, coconut, and marshmallows.
Interestingly, the term also refers to a genus of flowering plants (Ambrosia) commonly known as ragweed—which is ironic considering its association with heavenly delight! Ragweed produces pollen that causes allergies, so it's definitely not ambrosia in the delightful sense.
So whether you're imagining a feast for the gods or savoring a truly delicious treat, "ambrosia" represents something extraordinary and wonderfully pleasing to the senses—a taste of heaven on earth.
Examples
- 1
Greek myth
In Greek myths, the gods were said to eat ambrosia.
- Domain
In Greek myth, ambrosia is the food of the gods.
- 2
Refreshing drink
After the long hike, the cold water tasted like ambrosia.
- 3
American dessert
My grandmother still makes ambrosia for Christmas dinner with oranges, coconut, and marshmallows.
- Usage
In American English, ambrosia can also mean a sweet fruit salad.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- ambrosianoun