thyme

noun \ ˈtīm also ˈthīm \

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

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

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Recent Examples of thyme from the Web

Simmer cobs in cold water with peppercorns, fresh parsley, fresh thyme and bay leaf for about 1 ½ hours.

— claire perez, Sun-Sentinel.com, "How to make corn stock," 13 Apr. 2018
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, put the wine, capers, butter, lemon juice, parsley and thyme.

— susan selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Pair pan-fried fish with lemon and caper sauce," 18 Mar. 2018
Add the olives, thyme and rosemary sprigs, and orange rind.

— jill gibson, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipe: A rich beef stew from Provence is simmered with red wine, olives, and orange," 12 Mar. 2018
Finally, mix in some thyme and chives for herbal depth and a big squeeze of fresh lemon juice for verve.

— melissa clark, New York Times, "Mac and Cheese Eats Its Vegetables," 2 Mar. 2018
Here is her recipe: Add 2 tablespoons dried thyme to 1 cup near-boiling water and steep for 10 minutes.

— joe, The Seattle Times, "There’s a cure for toe fungus in your pantry: apple cider vinegar," 14 Jan. 2018
Roast Swiss chard mixture with 1 cup parsnips, 2 tsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme, 20 minutes.

— Redbook, "The Foodie Cleanse: Day 9," 9 Jan. 2014
Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Place the cream, garlic, thyme, and peppercorns in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.

— woman's day kitchen, Woman's Day, "Potato and Butternut Squash Gratin," 25 Oct. 2012
Herbs: Anise, basil, bay laurel, borage, cardamom, chives, coriander, dill, borage, ginger, lemon balm, oregano, Mexican tarragon, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, savory, sweet marjoram and thyme.

— tom maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "April in the garden," 31 Mar. 2018

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

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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

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

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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

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