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

Add beans, cumin, Vegeta, cilantro and lime juice and pulp. —Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Jan. 2026

Dressing made with lemon, chili powder, cumin, and hot sauce coats a blend of rice and red beans. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 12 Jan. 2026

Maybe use ground chiles in place of chili powder, or ground coriander instead of cumin. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026

This easy version features onion and bell pepper and is spiced with garlic, cumin, and oregano. —Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 9 Jan. 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