masala

noun

ma·​sa·​la mä-ˈsä-lä 

-lə, 

mə-

: a varying blend of spices used in Indian cooking

Examples of masala in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shredded chicken is also a key ingredient in many other cuisines, appearing in dishes such as Tex-Mex chicken chili, BBQ sandwiches, Indian chicken tikka masala, Greek chicken-lemon soup, and classic American potpies and salads. —Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026

There are oil portraits on the walls, dim lighting, and huge portions of everything from shrimp masala to pistachio ice cream. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2026

The menu, which includes tikka masala, butter chicken, curries and biryanis, was priced just high enough to require planning, but generous enough to last for days. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026

The use of spices in masala chai reflects long-standing Indian traditions of mixing or boiling spices and herbs in water—such as the herbal drink kadha in Ayurvedic medicine. —Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu masālā materials, ingredients, spices

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing masala

• garam masala

Rhymes for masala

• cabala
• corolla
• impala
• kabbalah
• kamala
• koala
• oglala
• allah
• bala
• cala
• cholla
• mala