tamarind

noun

tam·​a·​rind ˈta-mə-rənd 

-ˌrind

1

: an African evergreen tree (Tamarindus indica) of the legume family that is widely grown in tropical regions and has hard yellowish wood, pinnate leaves, red-striped yellow flowers, and an edible fruit

2

: the fruit of the tamarind tree consisting of an oblong brown pod containing 1 to 12 flat seeds embedded in a brownish, sticky, acidic pulp which is used especially in preserves and pastes and to flavor foods and beverages

Illustration of tamarind

Examples of tamarind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both carry one of her favorite dishes: sinigang, a soup made of tamarind and lots of vegetables. —Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, tamarind seed oil, jasmine extract Shades: 24 Size: 0.68 fl. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 May 2025

Infused with antioxidant-rich guava to shield strands from UV damage, with tamarind and safflower seed oil for deep hydration, and with avocado oil to strengthen and reduce frizz, the cream leaves hair soft, shiny, and protected. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 2 May 2025

The libations menu includes an extensive wine list, craft cocktails and mocktails, such as Weak in the Knees, a milk punch with spiced tamarind syrup, lemon, demerara syrup and Pathfinder Amaro. —Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish & Portuguese tamarindo, from Arabic tamr hindī, literally, Indian date

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tamarind

noun

tam·​a·​rind ˈtam-ə-rənd 

-rind

: a tropical tree of the legume family that has hard yellowish wood, feathery leaves, and red-striped yellow flowers

also : its fruit which has a sour pulp used especially for preserves or as a seasoning in cooking

Medical Definition

tamarind

noun

tam·​a·​rind ˈtam-ə-rənd, -ˌrind 

1

: a tropical leguminous tree (Tamarindus indica) with hard yellowish wood and a fruit with an acid pulp

2

: the pulp of the partially dried ripe fruit of a tamarind used in herbal medicine especially for its laxative properties