kombu
noun
kom·bu
ˈkäm-(ˌ)bü 
: 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
Caroline BatesThick, 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
Jan WolffThe actual harvesting of kombu is done mainly from boats …—H. Jesse Walker
H. Jesse WalkerExamples of kombu in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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.
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
Cite this Entry
“Kombu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kombu. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share