sumac

noun

su·​mac ˈshü-ˌmak How to pronounce sumac (audio)
ˈsü-
variants or less commonly sumach
1
: any of a genus (Rhus) of trees, shrubs, and woody vines of the cashew family that have leaves turning to brilliant colors in the autumn, small usually dioecious flowers, and spikes or loose clusters of red or whitish berries compare poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac
2
: a material used in tanning and dyeing that consists of dried powdered leaves and flowers of various sumacs
3
: the tart dried and ground red berries of several sumacs (such as Rhus coriaria) used as a spice especially in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking

Examples of sumac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Along the way up, admire pretty plants such as laurel sumac, California buckwheat and prickly pear cactus. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2024 Tangy, burgundy-colored sumac berries are widely used in Middle Eastern cuisine. Blanche Shaheen, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2024 Lunch is one third of the baguette from earlier this week, cut in half, toasted, and topped with homemade tzatziki, sumac, and flaky salt (previously purchased). Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 11 Jan. 2024 But remember that sumac and honey locust are just two such foods. Scott Bestul, Field & Stream, 4 Jan. 2024 Walking to the mailbox, a flock of western bluebirds took flight like flickering blue Christmas lights, while nearby a dozen or more lesser goldfinches hung like bright yellow ornaments in a sumac shrub. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2023 The nutty tahini-garlic sauce with sumac, lemon juice and parsley adds a little zip and a fresh take on holiday potatoes. Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2023 Today [there's] five-colored carrots, five-colored beets, sumac, amazing beans, amazing peppers, new herbs, and vegetables. Meredith Lepore, Travel + Leisure, 15 Nov. 2023 This includes plates inspired by the cuisine of Georgia (the European country, not the American state) such as lamb ribs with sumac, onion and beets, which thrilled Sietsema during his 2016 visit. Zoe Glasser, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sumac.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sumac, from Anglo-French, ultimately from Arabic summāq

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of sumac was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near sumac

Cite this Entry

“Sumac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sumac. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sumac

noun
su·​mac
variants also sumach
ˈsü-ˌmak How to pronounce sumac (audio)
ˈshü-
1
: a material used in tanning and dyeing made of the leaves and other parts of sumac
2
: any of a genus of trees, shrubs, and woody vines related to the cashew and having leaves turning to brilliant colors in autumn, spikes or loose clusters of red or whitish berries, and in some cases leaves or berries that are irritating to the skin compare poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac

Medical Definition

sumac

noun
su·​mac
variants also sumach
: any of various plants of the genus Rhus including several (as poison sumac) having foliage poisonous to the touch compare poison ivy, poison oak

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