cumin

noun

cum·​in ˈkə-mən How to pronounce cumin (audio) ˈkyü- How to pronounce cumin (audio) ˈkü- How to pronounce cumin (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pair with soy marinated beef sprinkled with poppy seeds or beef ravioli dusted with black pepper and cumin. — Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 They're sometimes called black cumin or kalonji.1 Nigella seeds are a popular cooking spice, especially in the Middle East and India. — Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 2 Mar. 2025 Some families use mint, others sesame, za’atar, marjoram and cumin. — Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025 The usual recommendation for psoriasis and eczema is, not surprisingly, a diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, other healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory spices like ginger, turmeric and cumin. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2025 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

Rhymes for cumin

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Cumin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumin. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cumin

Nglish: Translation of cumin for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cumin

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