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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Perfect for cozy winter meals, cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of ingredients like squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots, while complementing robust flavors like tomato, cumin, and garlic. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025 Baba’s team marinates the chicken in a blend of curry powder, garlic, cumin, coriander and other spices. Anna Spoerre, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025 In a medium bowl, combine the oil, garlic, chile powder, cumin, coriander, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper and mix well. Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 31 Dec. 2024 Whisk yogurt in a large bowl, add the brown onion paste, salt, black salt, garam masala, fenugreek leaves powder and cumin powder and mix well. Shivani Vora, Forbes, 12 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 18 Jan. 2025.

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