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 the tomato paste, chiles in adobo, chili powder, cumin, oregano and paprika and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025

Instead of a hearty stew of beans, meat, and spices like cumin and chili powder, Skyline or Cincinnati chili is a thinner, slightly sweet meat sauce with strong notes of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025

If you’re tempted to use ground cumin instead of cumin seeds, resist! —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025

Adding spices like cumin, garlic, and chili makes black bean soup both flavorful and satisfying. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 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