cumin

American  

[kuhm-uhn, koom-, koo-muhn, kyoo-] / ˈkʌm ən, ˈkʊm-, ˈku mən, ˈkyu- /

noun

1. a small plant, Cuminum cyminum, of the parsley family, bearing aromatic, seedlike fruit, used in cooking and medicine.

2. the aromatic fruit or seeds of Cuminum cyminum.

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cumin British  

/ ˈkʌmɪn /

noun

1. an umbelliferous Mediterranean plant, Cuminum cyminum, with finely divided leaves and small white or pink flowers

2. the aromatic seeds (collectively) of this plant, used as a condiment and a flavouring

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Etymology

Origin of cumin

First recorded before 900; Middle English comyn, cumin (from Old French comin ) from Latin cumīnum, from Greek kýmīnon, from Semitic (compare Arabic kammūn, Hebrew kammōn cumin); replacing Old English cymen from Latin, as above

Compare meaning

How does cumin compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• black cumin vs. cumin

Example Sentences

Cumin, coriander, cardamom, ginger represent the array of spices commonly found in Afghan cuisine, particularly at Lapis.

From Salon • Aug. 29, 2024

On Monday, I shared a recipe for Carrot, Cumin and Kidney Bean Burgers developed by the activist cook and author Jack Monroe.

From Washington Post • Sep. 15, 2022

The recipe for Carrots With Ginger follows a more traditional steaming process compared to Buttery Maple and Cumin Carrots, which uses a sauté-steam combo.

From Salon • Jun. 1, 2022

Cumin, chile and Sichuan peppercorns are the stars of this bold tofu stir-fry.

From New York Times • Aug. 2, 2021

“Hmmm, a thoughtful girl. Cumin is what I advise. Rare and odorous. Not in your queen’s herb bed, I am sure. A poultice applied to the side. I will prepare it now.”

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein