thyme

noun

ˈtīm 

also

ˈthīm 

1

: any of a genus (Thymus) of Eurasian mints with small pungent aromatic leaves

especially : a Mediterranean garden herb (T. vulgaris)

2

: thyme leaves used as a seasoning

Examples of thyme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The goat with spicy scallop creole and the pepper shrimp with sorrel, Scotch bonnet chile, and thyme were two dishes that really stood out. —Andrea Strong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Dec. 2025

Long after the last sip, soft closing notes of thyme and river rock linger on the tongue and gums. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the paprika (this ensures the paprika doesn’t scorch), thyme, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper and stir to coat. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 11 Dec. 2025

Also, the more fresh herbs, the better— rosemary, thyme, sage, basil. —Samantha Mims, Essence, 10 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English time, thyme, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin thymum, borrowed from Greek thýmon "the plants Thymus capitatus or Satureja thymbra," perhaps of pre-Greek substratal origin

Note: The Greek word would not originally have referred to Thymus vulgaris, the original range of which was restricted to the western Mediterranean. The pronunciation without an initial fricative, as exemplified by Middle English time, has been preserved in Modern English, though the spelling has been conformed to the Latin and Greek source. — The Greek word has conventionally been linked to the verb thýō, thýein "to sacrifice," and hence Indo-European *d^hu̯eh₂- or *d^heu̯h₂- "produce smoke by burning," though the short u cannot be easily explained; compare Greek thȳmós "spirit, mind, courage" and see etymology and note at fume entry 1.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing thyme

• lemon thyme

Rhymes for thyme

• chime
• chyme
• climb
• clime
• crime
• dime
• grime
• lime
• lyme
• mime
• prime
• rhyme

Kids Definition

thyme

noun

ˈtīm 

also ˈthīm

1

: any of a genus of Eurasian mints with small fragrant leaves

especially : one grown for use in seasoning food

2

: thyme leaves used as a seasoning

Medical Definition

thyme

noun

ˈtīm also ˈthīm

: any of a genus (Thymus) of mints with small pungent aromatic leaves

especially : a garden herb (T. vulgaris) used in seasoning and formerly in medicine especially as a stimulant and carminative