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

Next door, the open-air M Bar was perfect for sunset mocktails—fragrant with thyme, basil, orgeat, and fresh berries—or a craft cocktail, if that’s your thing. —Lisa Greissinger, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025

While thyme can tolerate some frost and snow, move it indoors during harsh weather if it’s grown in a container to keep it year-round. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025

Add roasted vegetables and thyme. —Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025

The finished dish is best served with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and a drizzle of hot honey. —Christine Fiorentino, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

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