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

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

Nearby, a small, colorful port named after her sister, Elizabeth, remains flanked by frangipani, bougainvillea, and tamarind trees. —Elena Clavarino, Air Mail, 14 Feb. 2026

After a day in the deep blue, travelers can dine by Al Mouj Marina or replenish themselves with a fresh coconut and Zanzibari-Omani street food at the nearby Seeb souk for dishes flavored with cumin, lime, tamarind, and coconut. —Anna Zacharias, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 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