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

In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, sugar, pepper flakes and salt. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 14 July 2025

Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the beef in the pan and stir to coat. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025

Garlic and cumin bring most of the flavor, with scatters of parsley, olive oil and lemon juice freshening up the hyper-savory plate. —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

This recipe from chef-owner Geeta Bansal of Irvine’s Clay Oven restaurant enhances the summer fruit with turmeric, serrano chile and cumin for a flavorful take that can be served with basmati rice, quinoa or couscous. —Los Angeles Times, 6 July 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