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

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

Try the chicken teriyaki rice bowl or a miso ramen for a comforting carb-protein mix. —Sunny Hubler, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2025

There’s plenty of greenspaces within a ten-minute walk, including the Hudson River Greenway and Bennett Park, along with an A train station and hearty miso ramen at Tampopo. —Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 26 Aug. 2025

Smoke curls from sunken irori hearths inside centuries-old farmhouses—as fires crackle and miso simmers in clay pots. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing miso

• miso paste
• miso soup