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

The Afri-Cure starts with a body wrap made from lemongrass, jumbie and tamarind leaves, as well as a gently exfoliating papaya mask applied to the face, and then a full-body exfoliation using turmeric, honey and local sea salt. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026

When used as a flavouring in coffee, tea, or golden milk, turmeric is unlikely to raise blood sugar levels. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2026

Your Blood Sugar Could Become Easier to Manage Curcuminoids are natural substances found in turmeric, with curcumin being the most common one. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 12 Mar. 2026

The combo of limoncello and turmeric is exactly on trend, too. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 Feb. 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