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

Probiotic foods like yogurt, kimchi, kefir, and miso contain live bacteria and microorganisms that benefit your gut health. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 24 June 2025

Every dish is a highlight, from the baba ganoush with curry leaf oil and pine nuts to cucumbers with tahini and chilli cucumber chilli to Jerusalem artichokes, ras el hanout and miso. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

Slow-Roasted Salmon with Miso Barbecue Sauce This recipe from former cooking columnist Ben Mims adds red miso to barbecue sauce for a burst of umami that counteracts the sweetness of ketchup and honey. —Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2025

Diners add handmade fresh udon and miso to the boiling pot and use a sand timer to know when the noodles are ready to eat. —Yukari Sakamoto, AFAR Media, 12 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing miso

• miso paste
• miso soup