masala

noun

ma·​sa·​la mä-ˈsä-lä How to pronounce masala (audio)
-lə
mə-
: a varying blend of spices used in Indian cooking

Examples of masala 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.
Look for her popular chicken tikka masala, secret-recipe samosas and fragrant cups of chai to make their debut soon along Sunnyvale’s historic restaurant row, Murphy Avenue. Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 The downstairs pub offers a casual vibe with classics on the menu such as burgers, fish & chips and tikka masala curry. Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Dec. 2025 Now those diners can enjoy Gymkhana’s tandoori masala lamb chops and Ambassadors’ ranjit shahi lobster curry on their home turf. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Dec. 2025 Alcohol will not be served at the restaurant, but guests can order juices, lassi, rose milk, masala chai tea, madras coffee and traditional nannari sharbath, an iced drink made from lemon juice and Indian sarsaparilla. Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for masala

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu masālā materials, ingredients, spices

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of masala was in 1780

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Masala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masala. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on masala

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!