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

Over nihari, a hearty stew served during celebrations, the family dreamt up a menu heavy with cumin, cardamom, garam masala and saffron while discussing their journey to America.

From Salon • Oct. 5, 2025

Eventually, he settled on the eight most frequently mentioned: desert dates, Yemeni Sidr honey, sycamore figs, Israeli golden raisins, prickly juniper berries, carob fruit, black cumin and frankincense.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2024

In 2014, Ipsita Mazumdar, a biochemistry expert, tested popular spice brands in Kolkata which made chilli, cumin, curry powder, and garam masala.

From BBC • May 14, 2024

I have this spice blend that I love with coriander, cumin and fennel seeds.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2024

The kitchen smelled like cumin and smoke, browned onions and fish.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini