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

Just so much dill and turmeric just all kind of knocked about in a skillet. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 June 2025

To boost lemon water's benefits, add honey, turmeric, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and more. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025

In Maharashtra, some use mango leaves to apply the turmeric mix as a part of the Halad Chadavane. —Sara Hussain, Vogue, 22 May 2025

This cocktail is made with vodka, carrot, ginger, turmeric, lemon at The Banks Seafood & Steak in Boston's historic Back Bay. —Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 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