mustard

noun mus·tard \ ˈmə-stərd \

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

Definition of mustard

1 a : a pungent yellow condiment consisting of the pulverized seeds of various mustard plants (such as Sinapis alba, Brassica juncea, and B. nigra) either dry or made into a paste or sauce (as by mixing with water or vinegar) and sometimes adulterated with other substances (such as turmeric) or mixed with spices

b : the seed of a mustard plant used as a spice and in medicine as a stimulant and diuretic, an emetic, or a counterirritant

c slang : zest

2 : any of several herbs (genera Brassica and Sinapis of the family Brassicaceae synonym Cruciferae, the mustard family) with lobed leaves, yellow flowers, and linear beaked pods

3 : a dark to moderate yellow

—

mustardy

play \-stər-dē\ adjective

See mustard defined for English-language learners

See mustard defined for kids

Examples of mustard in a Sentence

Would you like some mustard on your hot dog?

Recent Examples of mustard from the Web

When the regiment ships out to France, Stubby proves to be much more than that, sniffing out wounded soldiers in the field and warning American troops and French villagers of an impending mustard-gas attack.

— pat padua, kansascity, "‘Sgt. Stubby’ is an endearing tale of canine courage under fire | The Kansas City Star," 12 Apr. 2018
Via Omnisport, last season the Washington Redskins refused to wear the all mustard yellow uniforms chosen for them.

— bud shaw, cleveland.com, "The Browns have smartly and thoroughly renovated their QB room -- Bud Shaw's Spinoffs," 11 Apr. 2018
For example, one night’s omnivoral option was a pork chop with a mustard-cornichon sauce over handmade spaetzle with a ginger-carrot puree.

— mike sutter, San Antonio Express-News, "Review: Outlaw Kitchens sets a neighborly table in Alta Vista," 5 Apr. 2018
Jeremy Ford creates dishes with contrast at Stubborn Seed, such as this celery root, tempuraed to create a crispy contrast with a pool of creamy mustard.

— victoria pesce elliott, miamiherald, "Why this restaurant earned our first ‘Exceptional’ review in two years. (Hint: its talented tattooed chef) | Miami Herald," 5 Apr. 2018
The palette ranges from ivory, pale gray, and black to modern neutrals like ginger (a mustard-y yellow) and clay, with more to come.

— emily farra, Vogue, "Desperately Seeking the Perfect SpringPant? This Might Be It," 30 Mar. 2018
In a small bowl, combine salad dressing and mustard.

— nancy stohs, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Time to tailgate: Spruce up your opening day with regional favorites," 29 Mar. 2018
The crusty cake has no filler, just luscious lump crab meat and a mustard tang in the seasoning.

— courtney dabney, star-telegram, "The Wharf, the new venture from chef Erin Miller, drops anchor in Roanoke | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 28 Mar. 2018
Instead of something sweet in a chocolate egg, use mustard or other condiments.

— kelly tyko, USA TODAY, "Be careful before biting into Easter eggs Sunday! It's also April Fools' Day," 28 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mustard.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of mustard

Origin and Etymology of mustard

Middle English, from Anglo-French mustarde, from must must, from Latin mustum

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

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MUSTARD Defined for English Language Learners

mustard

noun

Definition of mustard for English Language Learners

: a thick and spicy yellow or brownish-yellow sauce that is usually eaten with meat
: a plant with yellow flowers, leaves that can be used for food, and seeds that are used in making mustard
: a brownish-yellow color

MUSTARD Defined for Kids

mustard

noun mus·tard \ ˈmə-stərd \

Definition of mustard for Students

: a sharp-tasting yellow powder that is prepared from the seeds of a plant related to the cabbage and is used especially as a seasoning for foods

Medical Dictionary

mustard

noun mus·tard \ ˈməs-tərd \

medical Definition of mustard

1 : a pungent yellow condiment consisting of the pulverized seeds of the black mustard or sometimes the white mustard either dry or made into a paste and serving as a stimulant and diuretic or in large doses as an emetic and as a counterirritant when applied to the skin as a poultice

2 : any of several herbs (genus Brassica of the family Cruciferae, the mustard family) with lobed leaves, yellow flowers, and linear beaked pods — see black mustard 1, white mustard

3 a : mustard gas

b : nitrogen mustard