tamarind

noun

tam·​a·​rind ˈta-mə-rənd 

-ˌrind

1

: an African evergreen tree (Tamarindus indica) of the legume family that is widely grown in tropical regions and has hard yellowish wood, pinnate leaves, red-striped yellow flowers, and an edible fruit

2

: the fruit of the tamarind tree consisting of an oblong brown pod containing 1 to 12 flat seeds embedded in a brownish, sticky, acidic pulp which is used especially in preserves and pastes and to flavor foods and beverages

Illustration of tamarind

Examples of tamarind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The cocktail menu is also expansive—go for the signature tomato cocktail, which is vodka and rice wine-based with tomato extract, poblanos, and tamarind. — Ali Domrongchai, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026

Instead of a sharp bite, black garlic tastes sweeter, tangier and more savory, with notes often compared to balsamic vinegar, molasses, tamarind, caramel and dried fruit. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2026

The marinade combines tamarind purée, fish sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and cumin, with extra glaze brushed on for maximum flavor and char. — Rachel Gurjar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Nov. 2026

The restaurant also has a special ofrenda cocktail, made with Cazadores blanco tequila, Ancho Reyes liqueur, watermelon and lime juice and tamarind syrup, with a foam top. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish & Portuguese tamarindo, from Arabic tamr hindī, literally, Indian date

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tamarind

noun

tam·​a·​rind ˈtam-ə-rənd 

-rind

: a tropical tree of the legume family that has hard yellowish wood, feathery leaves, and red-striped yellow flowers

also : its fruit which has a sour pulp used especially for preserves or as a seasoning in cooking

Medical Definition

tamarind

noun

tam·​a·​rind ˈtam-ə-rənd, -ˌrind 

1

: a tropical leguminous tree (Tamarindus indica) with hard yellowish wood and a fruit with an acid pulp

2

: the pulp of the partially dried ripe fruit of a tamarind used in herbal medicine especially for its laxative properties