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

Not only are the bottles beautifully inspired by traditional South of France scenes, but the products are scented with mint, thyme, basil and hints of blackcurrant for an uplifting bathing experience. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Stir in thyme and remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2025

Train yourself to look for growth that should be removed, such as tomato suckers and low-growing tomato branches, excess dahlia foliage, and tangled thyme. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025

There’s no garlic powder here—just salt, pepper, cayenne, thyme, and paprika. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French time, thime, from Latin thymum, from Greek thymon, probably from thyein to make a burnt offering, sacrifice; akin to Latin fumus smoke — more at fume

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