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 only dessert option at Hurly-Burly is the mini apple cider doughnuts served with a sweet-and-salty miso-caramel sauce. — Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026

Radishes and lotus root, miso soup, tempura shrimp, and Omadofu, or creamy tofu, made appearances, as did soba noodles, small pieces of mackerel, and, on occasion, wagyu beef for grilling on a hibachi. — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Meanwhile, in small saucepan combine cider, maple syrup, Creole mustard, miso, soy sauce and sherry. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026

Moon Bar’s menu offers the classics, as well as riffs on those drinks, like the addition of miso shiso honey to an old fashioned. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above