cumin

noun

cum·​in ˈkə-mən  ˈkyü-  ˈkü- 

: a small annual herb (Cuminum cyminum) of the carrot family cultivated for its aromatic fruits

also : the seedlike fruit of cumin used as a spice

Did you know?

Cumin is a small, slender annual herb of the carrot family, cultivated in the Mediterranean region, India, China, and Mexico. Its seeds, which are actually dried fruits, are used in many mixed spices, chutneys, and chili and curry powders. Cumin is especially popular in Asian, North African, and Latin American cuisines. Its oil is used in perfumes, for flavoring liquors, and for medicinal purposes.

Examples of cumin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Add scallions, cumin, and chili powder; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025

Frying cumin seeds is really extraction at work — heat unlocking volatile compounds and transforming taste. —Sanjay Srivastava, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Stir in tomatoes, jalapeño, garlic, tomato sauce, cilantro, onion, cumin, oregano and 1 teaspoon of the salt. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025

Add oregano, cumin, coriander, and cayenne; cook and stir until seasonings are fragrant, about 2 minutes. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 18 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cymen, from Latin cuminum, from Greek kyminon, of Semitic origin; akin to Akkadian kamūnu cumin

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cumin

• crewman
• crewmen
• human
• lumen
• numen
• rumen
• suman
• acumen
• albumen
• albumin
• bitumen
• cerumen