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

To a small bowl, add the tamarind purée, chiles, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and salt and stir to combine. — Emma Specter, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026

The produce department features tropical fruits such as jackfruit, dragon fruit, mangoes, sweet tamarind and durian, alongside a large selection of Asian vegetables and a wide variety of mushrooms that can compete with any local farmer’s market. — Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026

Food and drink Upon my arrival, I was wooed by the dazzling signature welcome cocktail made with gin, pineapple, herbal liqueur, and tamarind jamu. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026

The rest comes from the masala and onions, tomatoes, plus fresh tamarind pulp. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 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