thyme

noun \ ˈtīm also ˈthīm \

|Updated on: 8 Aug 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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See thyme defined for kids

Recent Examples of thyme from the Web

Add red bell peppers, red onions, celery, garlic, serrano chile, mustard seeds, bay leaves and thyme, and cook until soft, 3-5 minutes.

— osayi endolyn, WSJ, "Why Chefs Are Elevating Rice to Star Ingredient Status," 13 July 2018
Combine zest with the chili powder, brown sugar, thyme, cumin, chipotle powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl.

— susan selasky, charlotteobserver, "Celebrate the Fourth with minimal fuss, maximum flavor," 3 July 2018
Ingredients Ice 1 1/2 ounces white Pineau des Charentes (see headnote) 1 ounce tonic water Twist of grapefruit peel, for garnish 1 sprig fresh thyme, for garnish Steps Fill a wine glass with ice.

— sonia rao, chicagotribune.com, "Summer cocktail recipes to expand your happy hour horizons," 29 June 2018
Now combine the thyme, honey, vinegar and olive oil into the marinade.

— jennifer mcclellan, azcentral, "Recipes: Summer salads from Arizona chef show it's a great time to eat healthy," 5 June 2018
An animal lucky enough to be part of the restaurateur/rancher’s herd in northwestern Spain gets to laze about in mountain pastures redolent of thyme and other fragrant herbs.

— oliver griffin, WSJ, "Like Your Steak Aged 36 Months? Try 17 Years," 10 July 2018
Sprinkle each with some of the thyme, a bit of flaky salt, and a drizzle of honey, if using.

— jessica battilana, SFChronicle.com, "Repertoire: Apricot toast is the summer grilling recipe you need," 10 July 2018
Garnish by placing the twist of grapefruit peel and the sprig of thyme in the drink.

— sonia rao, chicagotribune.com, "Summer cocktail recipes to expand your happy hour horizons," 29 June 2018
The addition of tarragon which has notes of anise, along with the lemony essence of thyme, compliment the salmon beautifully.

— jose cuadros, Philly.com, "Healthy family recipe: Salmon en papillote," 29 June 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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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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