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

Diners can also order chicken tenders or a wedge salad, as well as waffle fries or party fries (with a variety of toppings like mayo, miso ranch, honey mustard and Fuku crunch and scallions). —Connie Ogle updated February 27, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026

Ramen options range from Hakata tonkotsu and spicy miso to classic chicken and spicy beef, with customizable toppings. —Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 27 Feb. 2026

In this skillet spin on the humble Roman-style pasta, dry spaghetti cooks in just enough water to create the silky base of a brown butter-miso sauce. —Chadwick Boyd, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2026

Acai bowls were recalled over possible plastic contamination, while sesame miso salad and hot honey mustard dressing were recalled over undeclared allergens. —Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above