basmati

American  

[bahs-mah-tee] / bɑsˈmɑ ti /

noun

1. a variety of cultivated long-grain rice that is notably fragrant.

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Etymology

Origin of basmati

First recorded in 1845–50, basmati is from the Hindi word basmati, literally, fragrant

Example Sentences

Fragrant basmati rice and a generous basket of naan rounded out the meal.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

Key exports from India include basmati rice, sugar, fresh fruits and pharmaceuticals, while major imports include pistachios, apples, kiwi and dates.

From Barron's • Jan. 13, 2026

Schulman said most of Cava’s ingredients come from the U.S., but some ingredients — like beef, olive oil and basmati rice — come in from abroad.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 4, 2025

This is a dairy-free version, made with white basmati rice and turbinado sugar flavored with saffron and rose water—smooth, soothing and delicious.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

Her hands shook as she poured rice into the boiling water and, as she watched the narrow basmati grains begin to swell, she wondered if they were failing at this, their reconciliatory meal.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie