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

How well your body absorbs and uses turmeric and curcumin depends on how it's consumed. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025

No, not the tequila kind, rather a health-boosting blend Victoria takes each day: fresh ginger, lemon, black pepper, and turmeric. —Hannah Coates, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025

Herbal medicine also has many of its roots in the East, including green tea, ginseng, ginger, goji berries and turmeric. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025

Immunity Boost Shots Wellness shots focusing on immune health often contain ingredients like turmeric, elderberry, lemon, and ginger. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 26 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