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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:

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

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

A spiced paste made from a few big-flavor pantry ingredients adds plenty of complexity, including the Indian spice blend garam masala, Chinese chili-garlic sauce and-don’t judge- ketchup.

From Washington Times ● Sep. 15, 2023

But there's one from the southern part of India where my dad's from, that I'm calling in this book Kerala garam masala — Kerala being that region on the southern tip.

From Salon ● May 13, 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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