miso

noun

mi·​so ˈmē-(ˌ)sō 

plural misos

: a fermented paste that is used especially in Japanese cuisine, that consists chiefly of soybeans, salt, and usually grain (such as barley or rice), and that has a savory taste ranging from very salty to somewhat sweet

… miso, the savory paste that flavors everything in Japanese cuisine from soups and pickles to dressings for salads.

—Harris Salat

Darker misos, such as brown and red, are fermented longer and have a stronger flavor. Lighter-colored misos have been fermented for less time, and have a milder, less salty flavor …

—Robin Asbell

Miso is teeming with protein, B vitamins and minerals, and rich in glutamates, which give food that meaty taste known as umami.

—Carole Kotkin

… miso paste is made by fermenting soybeans and sometimes grains (such as rice, barley, or rye) with a mold …

—Cook's Illustrated

We live on rice, fish, pickles, noodles, and miso soup, made from soybeans.

—James Fallows

Examples of miso in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This crowd pleaser showcases veggies grown in the Sea-to-Sky region: Roasted beets with yuzu crème fraîche and puffed grains, heirloom carrots with miso sesame and tempura crunch, wild morels in a delicate dashi and a vibrant crudité of seasonal vegetables and blossoms. —Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

Kids' sushi was wrapped in lettuce, and my little one had miso soup with chicken in it. —Celeste Little, Parents, 29 July 2025

In a medium bowl, vigorously stir the sugar, miso and egg until smooth. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2025

In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine the cobs, potatoes, broth, green chiles, scallion whites, garlic, butter, jalapeño, miso (if using) and salt. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 16 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing miso

• miso paste
• miso soup