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garam masala

American  
[guhr-uhm muh-sah-luh, guh-rahm] / ˈgʌr əm məˈsɑ lə, gəˈrɑm /

noun

  1. an aromatic mixture of ground spices used in Indian cuisine, usually containing black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, nutmeg, and turmeric.


garam masala British  
/ ˈɡɑːrəm mɑːˈsɑːlə /

noun

  1. an aromatic mixture of spices, extensively used in curries

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of garam masala

First recorded in 1950–55; from Urdu garam masālā, literally, “hot spices”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The garam masala brings a low burn and deep perfume.

From Salon Aug. 12, 2025

Try some chili crisp or a subtler note with a warming spice, like cumin or garam masala.

From Salon Feb. 5, 2025

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

The first is garam masala, an Indian spice blend with seven or more spices, including cumin, bay, fennel, cinnamon, dried chilies and black pepper.

From Washington Times Oct. 3, 2023

Laughing as they chop onions and caramelize them with garam masala and turmeric and ginger and garlic, trying to replicate my nanni’s kheema.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed

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