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

Blending certain fruit and vegetable juices with spices like turmeric and ginger can boost your health. —Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2025

Black pepper contains piperine, which helps your body absorb the curcumin in turmeric more effectively, enhancing its effects. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 23 Sep. 2025

The patriotic red, white, and blue cookies debuted for July 4 and contain natural colorings such as spirulina, turmeric, and vegetable juice in place of artificial food dyes. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2025

What’s more, a dash of turmeric contributes to a brighter complexion. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2025

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