cumin

noun

: 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

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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 Initiale Vodka is produced using high-grade French rye with trace amounts of lemon, milk and cumin and pristine water from natural springs in France. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 Place the seeded chiles in a blender or food processor with the Cannabis Oil, salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and cayenne (if using). Lynn Forbes, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024 Add meat, cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder and onion powder. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 8 Sep. 2024 Do not confuse cumin with black seed cumin, as these are different. Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cumin 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cumin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cumin was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near cumin

Cite this Entry

“Cumin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumin. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

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