sumac

noun

su·​mac ˈsü-ˌmak  ˈshü- 

variants or less commonly sumach

1

: any of a genus (Rhus) of trees, shrubs, and woody vines of the cashew family that have leaves turning to brilliant colors in the autumn, small usually dioecious flowers, and spikes or loose clusters of red or whitish berries compare poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac

2

: a material used in tanning and dyeing that consists of dried powdered leaves and flowers of various sumacs

3

: the tart dried and ground red berries of several sumacs (such as Rhus coriaria) used as a spice especially in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking

Examples of sumac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a small bowl, stir together the lemon zest, sumac, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and cinnamon. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

The sustainable spice company adds the vibrant zing of sumac to a blend of lemon powder, black peppercorns, sea salt, garlic, and thyme. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2026

Sundays are reserved for manti—delicate lamb dumplings served with garlicky yoghurt and a hint of sumac—a dish that is always a hit with a loyal crowd of regulars. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026

The abundant mountain lilac, laurel sumac and sage kicked this to one to my favorites list. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sumac, from Anglo-French, ultimately from Arabic summāq

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing sumac

• poison sumac
• staghorn sumac

Rhymes for sumac

• sumach

Kids Definition

sumac

noun

su·​mac

variants also sumach

ˈsü-ˌmak 

ˈshü-

1

: a material used in tanning and dyeing made of the leaves and other parts of sumac

2

: any of a genus of trees, shrubs, and woody vines related to the cashew and having leaves turning to brilliant colors in autumn, spikes or loose clusters of red or whitish berries, and in some cases leaves or berries that are irritating to the skin compare poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac

Medical Definition

sumac

noun

su·​mac

variants also sumach

ˈsü-ˌmak  ˈshü- 

: any of various plants of the genus Rhus including several (such as R. copallinum) having medicinal uses especially formerly compare poison sumac