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

One Gamine fragrance, Heroic Dose, opens with fresh cypress, blue hemp, and salty marine air, but underneath lies an earthy, gritty complexity brought in by cumin and vetiver bourbon. — Parizaad Khan Sethi, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 July 2026

Add the paprika, cumin, coriander and red pepper flakes and stir until fragrant, 10 to 15 seconds. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 14 July 2026

For me, that usually means cumin, coriander, fennel, and mustard seeds—but sticking to one or two would work just fine. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 July 2026

In fact, this recipe has the meatballs gently spiced with a dash of cumin and cinnamon, then tossed with a pepperoncini-spiked tomato sauce. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 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