nutmeg

noun

nut·​meg ˈnət-ˌmeg 

-ˌmāg

1

: an aromatic seed produced by an evergreen tree (Myristica fragrans of the family Myristicaceae, the nutmeg family) native to the Moluccas

also : the ground seed used as a spice compare mace sense 2

2

: a tree yielding nutmeg

Did you know?

Nutmeg is native to the Moluccas, Indonesian islands in the Malay Archipelago of Southeast Asia. The word nutmeg, however, comes from Old Occitan, a Romance language spoken in southern France during the latter half of the Middle Ages. Old Occitan "noz muscada" combines "noz" ("nut"), from Latin nuc-, nux, with "muscada," a feminine form of muscat, meaning "musky." The history of "muscat" can in turn be traced back through Late Latin, Greek, and Middle Persian to a Sanskrit word meaning "mouse."

Examples of nutmeg in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Expect flavors of cherry, raspberry, cocoa, nutmeg, and black pepper with and hints of earthiness in a glass of Corvina. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 27 June 2024

The captivating island, known for its large production of spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, is nestled in the heart of the Caribbean between Trinidad and Tobago to the south and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the north. —Danielle Pointdujour, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2024

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 27 June 2024

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy, then whisk in the flour, milk, and nutmeg until incorporated but still slightly lumpy (do not overmix or the pancake will be tough). —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 27 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English notemigge, notemuge, ultimately from Old Occitan noz muscada, from noz nut (from Latin nuc-, nux) + muscada, feminine of muscat musky — more at muscat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

nutmeg

noun

nut·​meg ˈnət-ˌmeg 

: a spice that consists of the ground seeds of a small tropical evergreen tree grown especially in Indonesia

also : the seed or tree

Medical Definition

nutmeg

noun

nut·​meg ˈnət-ˌmeg, -ˌmāg 

1

: an aromatic seed that is used as a spice and is produced by a tree of the genus Myristica (M. fragrans of the family Myristicaceae, the nutmeg family) native to the Moluccas

called also myristica

2

: a tree that produces nutmegs