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

Recipe information Whisk ⅓ cup white miso and 1 cup water in a medium pot until miso is dissolved. —Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2026

Kai is also set to offer a special lunch menu featuring sandwiches from $13 to $15, rice bowls from $16 to $19 and bento boxes starting at $15, the latter of which come with miso soup, the choice of one sushi roll and the choice of two sides. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026

Sweet summer corn, creamy mozzarella, and savory miso team up to add rich flavor and tame the heat of these zippy peppers for a crowd pleasing dish. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 9 May 2026

Main dishes include miso black cod, braised short ribs and wagyu beef striploin. —Connie Ogle may 8, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above