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

Transfer the warm lentils to a food processor with the remaining garlic, cumin and 3/4 teaspoon salt, and puree until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed, about 3 minutes. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026

Add tomatoes, pepper, salt, oregano, cumin, and chipotle peppers. —Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026

Chopped green chiles, fresh cilantro, and cumin brighten up this dish, and the final touch of tortilla chips adds a nice crunch. —Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026

Onions, green bell pepper, and jalapeño lend plenty of flavor while spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano bring delicious depth. —Martha Stewart, 9 Apr. 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