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

Stained with turmeric and run through with heavy-handed additions of dairy, these potatoes don’t play it safe. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025

Studies show turmeric may have similar anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet effects to aspirin. —Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 25 Nov. 2025

Herbs and Spices Herbs and spices like parsley, oregano, turmeric, thyme, and ginger are full of natural substances that protect overall health and fight common conditions. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 25 Nov. 2025

Place chicken on a baking sheet, and toss with turmeric and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil; sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of the salt and 1 teaspoon of the pepper. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 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