sumac

noun

su·​mac ˈsü-ˌmak  ˈshü- 

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

Our homemade harissa aioli brings the kick, the pickles and sumac onion cut the richness, and the roasted tomato and cabbage slaw keep everything bright. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Tahini, dates, sumac and za’atar are all finding their way into American snacks. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Everything can and should be enjoyed with sumac, a tangy spice made from ground berries. — Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026

Seven ramekins come on a platter bearing beets with tehina, a puree of greens called olesh, cannellini beans and corn, cabbage with sumac onions, eggplant, Yemenite pickles and chershi, a butternut squash spread. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing sumac

• poison sumac
• staghorn sumac

Rhymes for sumac

• sumach

Kids Definition

sumac

noun

su·​mac

variants also sumach

ˈsü-ˌmak 

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

ˈsü-ˌmak  ˈshü- 

: any of various plants of the genus Rhus including several (such as R. copallinum) having medicinal uses especially formerly compare poison sumac