cumin

noun

: 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 One loaf is stained with turmeric and charged with cumin, curry leaves, and cilantro. The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 13 Mar. 2024 Green Shakshuka With Avocado and Lime This easy twist on classic North African shakshuka (traditionally eggs baked in tomato-pepper sauce, with cumin, paprika and cayenne) starts with an onion-garlic-chard sauteed until gently wilted: a nest of sorts for steam-poaching eggs. Emily Weinstein, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 Braised Kale and Tomatoes Kale braised with tomatoes and flavored with cumin and paprika would make for a great side dish with roasted fish and rice. Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024 The roasted chicken with cumin and chili—while not really a salad—is crunch and has the perfect spice level on the tongue. Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 While the carrots are hot, toss them with about half the cumin, half the salmoriglio, and the pistachios. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2024 The taco meat is juicy and seasoned well with cumin and spices. Danny Palumbo / The Takeout, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2024 Stir in garam masala, coriander, cumin and turmeric; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2024 Garlic, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper are also great seasonings to incorporate. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cumin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cumin was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near cumin

Cite this Entry

“Cumin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumin. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on cumin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!