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.
Here’s a summary of the menu: Naan bread, sold plain or with butter, garlic or tandoori spice Chicken kebabs Fried rice and noodles Curries, tiki masala and butter masala with choice of chicken, shrimp, lamb or paneer (an Indian cheese). Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2025 Eight-ounce portions of butter chicken, tikka masala and mutter paneer are $6.99, dal is $5.99, sauteed vegetables are $4.99, onion pakora is $4.99 and rice is $3.99. Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025 Incredible India and its delectable chicken tikka masala with garlic naan. Dana Hunsinger Benbow, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 The gunpowder dosa, a classic rice and lentil crepe filled with potato masala, is on every table for a reason. Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 19 June 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 20 Aug. 2025.

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