garam masala

American

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

noun

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

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:

garam masala

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

The garam masala brings a low burn and deep perfume.

From Salon ● Aug. 12, 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

Add the garam masala and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds.

From Washington Times ● Dec. 11, 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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023