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

Seasoned with Adalina Prime’s house salt blend, cooked on a broiler at 800°F, and then brushed with beef tallow that were infused with gluten-free miso, yondu, vegan Worcestershire, rosemary, thyme, shallots, and garlic, this may become the restaurant’s signature dish. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

For the entree, either Curry Ramen with katsu chicken or Hiyashi Chuka, a Japanese-Chinese fusion noodle salad with ground miso pork and surimi. —Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025

All soups are beautiful, but miso soup works unique wonders for your gut, heart, and immune health. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2025

For its kick-off, Darling will serve drinks such as the Bonny Melon, with pisco, strawberry gin, hazelnut-miso orgeat, and bonny melon, and Eggplant, made up of rum, allspice, roasted eggplant, toasted coconut cream, pineapple and lime. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing miso

• miso paste
• miso soup