nigella

noun

ni·​gel·​la nī-ˈje-lə How to pronounce nigella (audio)
: any of a genus (Nigella) of erect annual herbs of the buttercup family having dissected threadlike leaves and usually blue or white flowers
especially : love-in-a-mist

Examples of nigella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Each challah braid was sprinkled with different seeds and herbs: sunflower seeds, sesame, oregano, pine nuts, nigella (black caraway seeds) and cumin. Ethel G. Hofman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2023 Chinese lanterns, fall leaves, nigella pods, and ginkgo leaves make special additions; attach using fine wire. Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2022 Instead of the traditional garlic, onion, poppy and sesame seeds, the blend includes sumac, turmeric, maras chile flakes, blue cornflower, sea salt, and sesame, fennel, and black nigella seeds. Ann Trieger Kurland, BostonGlobe.com, 14 June 2022 Uzbek non varies across regions, from Tashkent's chewy versions to Samarkand loaves showered in black nigella seeds. Jen Rose Smith, CNN, 4 May 2022 Nicotiana and slightly spiny nigella pods add a little textural contrast. Heather Arndt Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 12 Feb. 2020 Add the nigella seeds and toast until fragrant, about 1 minute, and sprinkle them over the sweet potatoes. Nik Sharma, SFChronicle.com, 31 July 2020 Top with the sprouts and garnish with a sprinkling of sumac and nigella seeds and serve. Naz Deravian, SFChronicle.com, 16 Mar. 2020 Flowers to start from seed: Dahlia, shizanthus, nigella, phlox, portulaca, nemisa, marigold and nasturtiums. Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Apr. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nigella.' 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

New Latin, from Late Latin, a black-seeded plant, from feminine of Latin nigellus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nigella was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near nigella

Cite this Entry

“Nigella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nigella. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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