cumin

noun

cum·in ˈkə-mən

ˈkyü-

ˈkü-

: 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

Did you know?

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.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Return the skillet to medium heat and heat the remaining teaspoon of oil, the beans, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin and minced cilantro and stir until well combined and warmed through, about 3 minutes. —

Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2021 Red rice and beans, if desired Heat oven to 350 F. Place the ancho and guajillo chiles on a baking sheet lined with parchment, along with the juniper berries, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, cloves, coriander seeds and allspice, and toast them in the oven for 4 minutes. —

Leslie Brenner, Dallas News, 4 June 2021 Add the cumin and oregano, then cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds. —

Christopher Kimball, BostonGlobe.com, 20 June 2023 Sturdy and resealable, the tins often remain in our pantries and shoe closets long after the cookies are finished, used for stowing sewing supplies, loose change or dry goods, like cumin and mustard seeds. —

Raksha Vasudevan, New York Times, 6 June 2023 Garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander and cardamom add a heady aroma to quick-cooking greens. —

Ben Mims, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2023 Step 3In same large bowl, whisk together vinegar, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, remaining 3 Tbsp oil, and 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper. —

Tina Martinez, Good Housekeeping, 28 Apr. 2023 In a small bowl whisk together the chili powder, sugar (if using), cumin, coriander, salt and cayenne pepper. —

Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2023 Leave the bell pepper in the fridge and bring some warm, spicy flavor to the dish with cinnamon, cocoa powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. —

Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cumin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.