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

This no-frills Flour Bluff diner has an ultra-friendly staff and lots of savory Filipino favorites, including lumpia (a type of crispy spring roll) and sinigang (a savory soup brimming with notes of tamarind). —Jared Ranahan, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2025

Current entrees include roasted red grouper, Outer Banks sea scallops, tamarind braised beef short ribs and lion’s mane pad Thai, among other tasty options. —Shannon Greene, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025

Rip and dip the flatbreads into roasted red bell pepper hummus, tamarind chutney, mango chutney, tomato-date chutney, coriander chutney, garlic pickle, red chile sambal, and jalapeño-lime pickle. —Karla Walsh, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 July 2025

Thai Kun Cilantro and green onion cool these fiery wings glazed with Thai chili and tamarind. —Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 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