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

You’ll be surprised by the luminosity of ingredients like bergamot, turmeric, and peppercorn that come with this offering, whose sharpness is cut through by the sweetness of fig and the citrusy woodiness of petitgrain. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

Ginger Ginger is a spice that’s commonly paired with turmeric in dishes like curries and soups. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 22 Oct. 2025

Instructions In a small bowl, stir together the lime juice, oil, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, turmeric, and a small pinch of sugar. —Derick Wade, Saveur, 15 Oct. 2025

Stir in the garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, cayenne, and a pinch of salt and pepper. —Ashia Aubourg, Outside, 10 Oct. 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