thyme

noun

ˈtīm 

also

ˈthīm 

1

: any of a genus (Thymus) of Eurasian mints with small pungent aromatic leaves

especially : a Mediterranean garden herb (T. vulgaris)

2

: thyme leaves used as a seasoning

Examples of thyme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fresh spring vegetables brighten up this lemony roast chicken recipe, which calls for rainbow carrots and fragrant herb sprigs (such as thyme, oregano, parsley, or dill). —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

Perennial herbs include chives, marjoram, mint, sage, thyme, and many others. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 11 Mar. 2026

Sprinkle with thyme, paprika, 1/2 tsp. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026

Add the stock, bay leaves, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English time, thyme, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin thymum, borrowed from Greek thýmon "the plants Thymus capitatus or Satureja thymbra," perhaps of pre-Greek substratal origin

Note: The Greek word would not originally have referred to Thymus vulgaris, the original range of which was restricted to the western Mediterranean. The pronunciation without an initial fricative, as exemplified by Middle English time, has been preserved in Modern English, though the spelling has been conformed to the Latin and Greek source. — The Greek word has conventionally been linked to the verb thýō, thýein "to sacrifice," and hence Indo-European *d^hu̯eh₂- or *d^heu̯h₂- "produce smoke by burning," though the short u cannot be easily explained; compare Greek thȳmós "spirit, mind, courage" and see etymology and note at fume entry 1.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing thyme

• lemon thyme

Rhymes for thyme

• chime
• chyme
• climb
• clime
• crime
• dime
• grime
• lime
• lyme
• mime
• prime
• rhyme

Kids Definition

thyme

noun

ˈtīm 

also ˈthīm

1

: any of a genus of Eurasian mints with small fragrant leaves

especially : one grown for use in seasoning food

2

: thyme leaves used as a seasoning

Medical Definition

thyme

noun

ˈtīm also ˈthīm

: any of a genus (Thymus) of mints with small pungent aromatic leaves

especially : a garden herb (T. vulgaris) used in seasoning and formerly in medicine especially as a stimulant and carminative