sumac

noun

su·​mac ˈshü-ˌmak 

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

Then boil together rice wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, water and ground sumac. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024

In some areas, people have been hesitant to conduct prescribed fires, and that has led to an overgrowth of woody plants, such as sumac and sand plum. —Karen Hickman, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024

To serve, spoon the chickpeas and their broth into a bowl, and top with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a pinch or two of ground sumac. —G. Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024

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

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

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 (as poison sumac) having foliage poisonous to the touch compare poison ivy, poison oak