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

The menu is based around six ramen choices, including one veggie option with a sesame, miso, and cauliflower base, each customizable with toppings (nori, extra chashu pork, spicy sauce, and so on). —Eleanor Aldridge, AFAR Media, 30 May 2025

Notable dishes include Wagyu dumplings, papaya salad, adobo pork ribs, miso cod, chicken karaage and filet mignon. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 28 May 2025

The lunch specials are just that — special — and entrees come with miso soup and a salad. —Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025

Some options to try include kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, yogurt with live cultures, kombucha, and kefir. —Beth Krietsch, SELF, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing miso

• miso paste
• miso soup