cumin

noun

cum·​in ˈkə-mən  ˈkyü-  ˈkü- 

: a small annual herb (Cuminum cyminum) of the carrot family cultivated for its aromatic fruits

also : the seedlike fruit of cumin used as a spice

Did you know?

Cumin is a small, slender annual herb of the carrot family, cultivated in the Mediterranean region, India, China, and Mexico. Its seeds, which are actually dried fruits, are used in many mixed spices, chutneys, and chili and curry powders. Cumin is especially popular in Asian, North African, and Latin American cuisines. Its oil is used in perfumes, for flavoring liquors, and for medicinal purposes.

Examples of cumin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, in India, a baby’s first meal may be kheer (a type of rice porridge made with cardamom), khichdi (a rice and lentil porridge with turmeric, cumin, and ginger), or daal (a dish made with lentils, peas, and beans and seasoned with cumin, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and chili). —Katrina Donham, Parents, 25 Feb. 2026

Meanwhile, for mojo verde, in the bowl of a food processor combine cilantro, sunflower seed kernels, vinegar, whole garlic, cumin, 1/2 cup olive oil, and the remaining 1/2 cup parsley. —Chadwick Boyd, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026

Add the ras el hanout, cumin, coriander and paprika and stir for 15 to 30 seconds to lightly toast the spices. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026

Her go-to is a white-sesame-and-cumin mixture. —Charlotte Goddu, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cymen, from Latin cuminum, from Greek kyminon, of Semitic origin; akin to Akkadian kamūnu cumin

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cumin

• crewman
• crewmen
• human
• lumen
• numen
• rumen
• suman
• acumen
• albumen
• albumin
• bitumen
• cerumen