thyme

noun \ ˈtīm also ˈthīm \

Definition of thyme

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

See thyme defined for English-language learners

See thyme defined for kids

Recent Examples of thyme from the Web

Rosemary can develop into tall shrubs; thyme is used as a ground cover; oregano grows into large mounds that have to be pruned back.

— chris ross, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Let summer's fresh herbs season Baked Ricotta," 29 Aug. 2017
In a food processor, combine the panko and thyme for 30 seconds.

— nancy miller, The Courier-Journal, "Eiderdown thrives in bustling Germantown corridor with new menu. We have the recipes," 29 Aug. 2017
Mint, lemon balm, creeping thyme and rosemary are all excellent choices for fragrant, textured ground cover that will help keep weeds from sprouting.

— uyeta landscape and maintenance, The Seattle Times, "Design a fall garden for all of your senses," 28 July 2017
Some herbs, such as thyme, sage and lavender, don't tolerate heat and rain very well and may be struggling now.

— dan gill, NOLA.com, "This week's gardening tips: harvest herbs, don't worry about webworms," 22 July 2017
Stop machine and settle in the bowl 2 cups fresh basil leaves and flowers (or better yet, 1 1/2 cups basil leaves plus 1/2 cup mixed fresh parsley, oregano and thyme leaves).

— leah eskin, chicagotribune.com, "Corn pudding recipe transfers fresh, crisp kernels into rich, creamy goodness," 18 July 2017
Herbs such as thyme, basil and chives can be added to the dressing if desired.

— amanda cushman, charlotteobserver, "It’s too darn hot for more than salads," 18 July 2017
In the agricultural commuities of the north, a shepherd may offer homemade cheese or citrus fruit from his farm, or bread baked fresh in a taboun (clay oven) and topped with za’aatar—a Jordanian spice blend of salt, pepper, thyme and sesame seeds.

— Smithsonian, "Discover more about the Land of Hospitality.," 6 July 2017
Simply put the lentils in 2 shallow serving bowls, top with the peach segments with the chevre and thyme, and serve.

— ellise pierce, star-telegram.com, "Summer cherries, apricots and peaches ... oh, my!," 4 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'thyme.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of thyme

Middle English, from Anglo-French time, thime, from Latin thymum, from Greek thymon, probably from thyein to make a burnt offering, sacrifice; akin to Latin fumus smoke — more at fume

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

THYME Defined for English Language Learners

thyme

noun

Definition of thyme for English Language Learners

: a sweet-smelling herb with small leaves that is used in cooking

THYME Defined for Kids

thyme

noun \ ˈtīm \

Definition of thyme for Students

:a mint with tiny fragrant leaves used especially in cooking

Medical Dictionary

thyme

noun \ ˈtīm also ˈthīm \

medical Definition of thyme

: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

Learn More about thyme

See words that rhyme with thyme Spanish Central: Translation of thyme Nglish: Translation of thyme for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thyme

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up thyme? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

thyme

Definition of thyme

Recent Examples of thyme from the Web

Origin and Etymology of thyme

THYME Defined for English Language Learners

thyme

Definition of thyme for English Language Learners

THYME Defined for Kids

thyme

Definition of thyme for Students

Medical Dictionary

thyme

medical Definition of thyme

Learn More about thyme

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

nuncupative

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

The Synonyms 'Discover' and 'Invent'

I'll Have the Us(ual)

The Origins of 'Lobbyist'

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

The Exceptions Quiz III

Forms of Government Quiz

True or False?

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066

thyme

Definition of thyme

Explore M-W

Recent Examples of thyme from the Web

Origin and Etymology of thyme

THYME Defined for English Language Learners

thyme

Definition of thyme for English Language Learners

THYME Defined for Kids

thyme

Definition of thyme for Students

Medical Dictionary

thyme

medical Definition of thyme

Learn More about thyme

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066