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

Combine cumin and black pepper in a bowl. —Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 16 Dec. 2025

Add beef, garlic, chili powder, salt, cumin, and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally to break beef into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. —Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025

Lab findings suggest black cumin may slow fat cell formation, which could help reduce obesity risk, though more research is needed. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2025

With olive, camellia, coconut, and black cumin oils in the blend, this silky formula transforms from an oil into a soft foam cleanser, keeping skin supple and hydrated rather than tight. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Dec. 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