kombu

noun

kom·​bu ˈkäm-(ˌ)bü How to pronounce kombu (audio)
: an edible kelp (such as Saccharina japonica synonym Laminaria japonica) that is typically dried and aged and used especially in Japanese cooking as a seasoning in soup stock
The puzzling broth was dashi—the Japanese cook's basic soup stock—seasoned with another seaweed, kombu.Caroline Bates
Thick, dark green strips of kombu are used in soups and stews, and added to beans and grains to help tenderize them while cooking.Jan Wolff
The actual harvesting of kombu is done mainly from boats …H. Jesse Walker

Examples of kombu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their Del Mar-tini is a true aquatic marvel, crafted with navy strength gin, blanc vermouth, muscadet, and a touch of kombu. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 The salad gets its gentle seasoning partially from kombu, which is added to the water for boiling potatoes. Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2025 Instructions Step 1 Make the vinaigrette: In a large jar with a lid, shake together the vinegar, bonito, shoyu, sakura blossoms, sugar, umeboshi, and kombu. Scott Clark, Saveur, 3 Apr. 2025 The key to drawing out the umami and sweetness from the kombu without the bitterness, Stuart-Wolff explained, is to remove the seaweed just before the water reaches a boil. Rebekah Peppler, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kombu

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kombu was in 1859

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Cite this Entry

“Kombu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kombu. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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