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

Stir miso paste into soups after removing them from the heat to preserve the probiotics. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 20 Dec. 2025

In other words, miso may help fine-tune the immune system by keeping it strong against threats without going into overdrive. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2025

Some of us, like resident home chef James Folta, made miso soup to keep the rain away. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Dec. 2025

Midday was for ducking into a family-run lodge for miso ramen or chicken katsu, the kind of spot where the windows fog up and the air smells of rich broth. —Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above