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

Made specifically for Dos Coyotes by Silva Sausage in Gilroy, they’re spiced with roasted red peppers, cumin, coriander and New Mexican green chiles. —Benjy Egel, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2025

Add lemon quarters to stew pan along with ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander and cinnamon. —Yakir Levy, Oc Register, 2 Apr. 2025

According to the Connecticut Public, Cohen’s recipe includes honey, sesame, fennel, poppy, nigella, and/ or cumin and sea salt to garnish. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 2 May 2025

Stir together coriander, cumin, chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt in a large bowl. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 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