cumin

noun

: a small annual herb (Cuminum cyminum) of the carrot family cultivated for its aromatic fruits
also : the seedlike fruit of cumin used as a spice

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Cumin is a small, slender annual herb of the carrot family, cultivated in the Mediterranean region, India, China, and Mexico. Its seeds, which are actually dried fruits, are used in many mixed spices, chutneys, and chili and curry powders. Cumin is especially popular in Asian, North African, and Latin American cuisines. Its oil is used in perfumes, for flavoring liquors, and for medicinal purposes.

Examples of cumin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Stir in lentils, bouillon granules, cumin, chili powder, and pepper. Yvette Zuniga Jemison, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2025 Add the eggs, Sriracha, cumin, chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; stir to combine. Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 27 Jan. 2025 The Indian recipe is made with warming spices like cumin, ginger, coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025 For over 25 years, Tasty Bite has been making convenient Indian meals ready in just a few minutes, with anti-inflammatory spices like cumin and turmeric, fibrous legumes and nutrient-rich vegetables. Anna Haines, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cumin 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cymen, from Latin cuminum, from Greek kyminon, of Semitic origin; akin to Akkadian kamūnu cumin

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cumin was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near cumin

Cite this Entry

“Cumin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumin. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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