turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

also

ˈtü-mə- 

or ˈtyü-

1

: an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa synonym C. domestica) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome

2

: the boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used as a coloring agent, a flavoring, or a stimulant

3

: a yellow to reddish-brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric

Examples of turmeric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is why consuming turmeric with meals that have fat content can help your body absorb it. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2025

Stir in the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric and cayenne, and stir to toast the spices, about 30 seconds more. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2025

Add mix-ins such as honey, turmeric, dates, or cocoa powder for extra flavor and health benefits. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 1 Dec. 2025

Details on its makeup and benefits Berberine is a chemical compound derived from plants like tree turmeric, barberry, goldenseal, goldenthread – all of which have historically played an important role in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 28 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turmeryte

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

also

ˈtü-mə- 

ˈtyü-

1

: an Indian herb related to ginger and having a large yellow underground plant stem

2

: the boiled, dried, and usually ground underground plant stem of turmeric used especially as a flavoring or dye

Medical Definition

turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

variants also tumeric

ˈt(y)ü-mə- 

1

: an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome

2

: the cleaned, boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used in dietary supplements and herbal remedies and as a spice see curcumin

3

: a yellow to reddish brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric