turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

also

ˈtü-mə- 

or ˈtyü-

1

: an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa synonym C. domestica) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome

2

: the boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used as a coloring agent, a flavoring, or a stimulant

3

: a yellow to reddish-brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric

Examples of turmeric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With joint support the focus of this supplemental chew, they’re made of turmeric, bovine collagen, and glucosamine HCL. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 23 Dec. 2025

Both raw and ground turmeric contain antioxidants, but the powdered variety is more concentrated, containing more of these beneficial compounds per volume. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 22 Dec. 2025

Ginger, turmeric, lemon, fennel, garlic, and more. —Mélanie Nauche, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2025

It's packed with soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, centella asiastica, colloidal oatmeal, green tea extract, and ginseng root, and works wonders on any body area. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turmeryte

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

also

ˈtü-mə- 

ˈtyü-

1

: an Indian herb related to ginger and having a large yellow underground plant stem

2

: the boiled, dried, and usually ground underground plant stem of turmeric used especially as a flavoring or dye

Medical Definition

turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

variants also tumeric

ˈt(y)ü-mə- 

1

: an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome

2

: the cleaned, boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used in dietary supplements and herbal remedies and as a spice see curcumin

3

: a yellow to reddish brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric