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

Stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle chili powder, cumin, and salt in a medium bowl. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026

Add the garlic, chipotle pepper, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, nutritional yeast, and salt. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

This easy version features onion and bell pepper, spiced with garlic, cumin, and oregano. — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026

Add chiles, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, coriander, and habanero chile powder. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2026

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