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

Though generally safe when consumed in foods or taken as a supplement, turmeric can cause side effects or interact with medications. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 Sep. 2025

The drink consists of turmeric, apple cider vinegar, raw garlic, and jalapeño. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025

Some of the most popular juices include Hot to Trot (pineapple, lime, green apple, jalapeño, cilantro), Jenny’s Julep (grapefruit, green apple, mint, Himalayan sea salt) and Donkey Dreams (carrot, pineapple, orange, turmeric, ginger and lemon). —Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025

In recent lab experiments, however, turmeric inhibited some chemotherapy drugs from working against breast cancer cells and also increased the risk of kidney stones, so make sure to check with your doctor if there is a concern. —Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 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