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

Kitsch’s face and body bar is formulated with kojic acid and turmeric, a clever combo that works in tandem to help fade hyperpigmentation and banish uneven tone. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 5 Nov. 2026

In these cases, people used turmeric for an average of 86 days before symptoms of liver injury appeared. — Patricia Weiser, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2026

Their palms, pressed in turmeric, became a blur of orange as their revolutions increased in speed and the curtain rose. — Keith McDermott, Vanity Fair, 30 Oct. 2026

Adding black pepper to turmeric may improve curcumin absorption. — Merve Ceylan, HEALTH, 28 Oct. 2026

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