thyme

noun

1
: any of a genus (Thymus) of Eurasian mints with small pungent aromatic leaves
especially : a Mediterranean garden herb (T. vulgaris)
2
: thyme leaves used as a seasoning

Examples of thyme 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.
Choose from lavender, basil, parsley, sage, thyme, cilantro, and more. Brie Schwartz, Glamour, 19 Mar. 2025 Others, such as basil and thyme, are more tender and need warmer weather. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025 Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened and mushrooms are browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic and thyme; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025 Reduce the heat to medium, stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme, and bay leaf, and sauté, just until the vegetables begin to color slightly, 2 to 3 minutes more. Kaila Yu, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thyme

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French time, thime, from Latin thymum, from Greek thymon, probably from thyein to make a burnt offering, sacrifice; akin to Latin fumus smoke — more at fume

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thyme was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Thyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thyme. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

thyme

noun
ˈtīm How to pronounce thyme (audio)
 also  ˈthīm
1
: any of a genus of Eurasian mints with small fragrant leaves
especially : one grown for use in seasoning food
2
: thyme leaves used as a seasoning

Medical Definition

thyme

noun
ˈtīm also ˈthīm
: any of a genus (Thymus) of mints with small pungent aromatic leaves
especially : a garden herb (T. vulgaris) used in seasoning and formerly in medicine especially as a stimulant and carminative

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