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 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

Recently, the Pet Poison Helpline identified an identical illness in dogs that ingested large amounts of cream of tartar (one dog ate homemade Play-Dough), or tamarind pods or paste (used in Southeast Asian dishes). —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

One such kitchen is home to Lotus and Lime, a fast-casual concept that launched locally recently, serving up bowls featuring flavors from Thailand and Vietnam like ginger, lime, tamarind and fresh herbs. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026

IndiBar — Papdi Chaat with mint and tamarind, Afghani Murgh with pickled onions. —Eddie Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 23 Feb. 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