turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

 also  ˈtü-mə-,

 or  ˈtyü-

1

: an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa synonym C. domestica) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome

2

: the boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used as a coloring agent, a flavoring, or a stimulant

3

: a yellow to reddish-brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric

Examples of turmeric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From our column The Fourth Trimester, this Golden Chicken Soup is imbued with peppery turmeric, earthy fenugreek, and fall-off-the-bone meat. —Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appétit, 25 Apr. 2024

Delicate white fillets of cod, haddock, or halibut make an ideal canvas for her marinade of coconut milk and lemon juice infused with fresh turmeric and ginger, which lend earthy, peppery notes. —Romy Gill, Saveur, 24 Apr. 2024

Mustard is not prohibited on Passover but If your family avoids it during the holiday because of custom, use Passover mustard, which is made with turmeric instead of mustard seeds. —Yakir Levy, Orange County Register, 11 Apr. 2024

Their mobility treats, enriched with turmeric and boswellia, specifically target joint pain. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

No, not the tequila kind, rather a health-boosting blend Victoria takes each day: fresh ginger, lemon, black pepper, and turmeric. —Hannah Coates, Vogue, 2 Feb. 2024

Add in water, carrots, celery, bay leaf, soy sauce, salt, pepper and turmeric, scraping up any browned bits. —Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 14 Jan. 2024

The Gujarati dal, with its sunny turmeric color and a flavor that was equal parts bright, spicy and sweet, was equally as good. —The Enquirer, 12 Apr. 2024

Combine the lemon juice, ½ cup olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon and red pepper flakes in a large bowl, then whisk to combine. —Sam Sifton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turmeryte

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

also

ˈtü-mə- 

ˈtyü-

1

: an Indian herb related to ginger and having a large yellow underground plant stem

2

: the boiled, dried, and usually ground underground plant stem of turmeric used especially as a flavoring or dye

Medical Definition

turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

variants also tumeric

ˈt(y)ü-mə- 

1

: an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome

2

: the cleaned, boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used in dietary supplements and herbal remedies and as a spice see curcumin

3

: a yellow to reddish brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric