thyme

noun

ˈtīm 

also

ˈthīm 

1

: any of a genus (Thymus) of Eurasian mints with small pungent aromatic leaves

especially : a Mediterranean garden herb (T. vulgaris)

2

: thyme leaves used as a seasoning

Examples of thyme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bright colors include hot coral, quieter ones (for the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro only) are thyme green and fresh lilac. —David Phelan, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Too much moisture can lead to poor health and root rot for thyme, and cilantro will bolt in the heat of summer while thyme thrives. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025

The bouncy gel formula blends thyme, cucumber, and olive leaf extracts with hyaluronic acid to restore moisture and bring comfort to skin. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Aug. 2025

Do these onion tartlets have to be decorated with thyme? —Radhika Seth, Vogue, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French time, thime, from Latin thymum, from Greek thymon, probably from thyein to make a burnt offering, sacrifice; akin to Latin fumus smoke — more at fume

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing thyme

• lemon thyme

Rhymes for thyme

• chime
• chyme
• climb
• clime
• crime
• dime
• grime
• lime
• lyme
• mime
• prime
• rhyme

Kids Definition

thyme

noun

ˈtīm 

 also  ˈthīm

1

: any of a genus of Eurasian mints with small fragrant leaves

especially : one grown for use in seasoning food

2

: thyme leaves used as a seasoning

Medical Definition

thyme

noun

ˈtīm also ˈthīm

: any of a genus (Thymus) of mints with small pungent aromatic leaves

especially : a garden herb (T. vulgaris) used in seasoning and formerly in medicine especially as a stimulant and carminative