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

My parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents have all incorporated turmeric into both their diet, health, and beauty rituals because of its nutrient-rich profile. — Nadine El Chaer, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026

Key Takeaways Pairing turmeric with black pepper or fat-containing fish oil may help the body absorb more curcumin, turmeric’s active compound. — Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026

The culprit behind turmeric’s intense color is curcumin, a natural pigment that can cling stubbornly to surfaces. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026

There’s enough pigment to cover dark spots and uneven tone, while hyaluronic acid, squalane, turmeric, and peptides bring on the skincare. — Mickey Williams, Flow Space, 17 Sep. 2026

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