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

Our choice today is honeybush vanilla turmeric. —Ed Silverman, STAT, 1 June 2026

Holistic Practices With Real Physiological Basis Warming spices like ginger, turmeric, cayenne contain compounds that promote vasodilation and improve microcirculation. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026

The Wellness Elixir Marg, a play on a margarita, features a non-alcoholic tequila with ginger, turmeric, orange, agave, coconut water and maca root powder, an adaptogen said to help manage stress while boosting energy, stamina and libido. —Gizelle Lau, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

Cinnamon, Ginger, and Turmeric Cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric are also commonly found in herbal teas. —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 27 May 2026

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