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

Adding spices like cumin, garlic, and chili makes black bean soup both flavorful and satisfying. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2025

Add ground beef, ground pork, green chiles, cheese, chipotle chiles, adobo sauce, salt, cumin, and 2 tablespoons of the barbecue sauce; gently mix using a spatula or hands until just combined. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025

Add sausage, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025

In a blender, combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and cumin; blend on high for about 20 seconds until creamy. —Laura McLively, Mercury News, 26 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