nutmeg

American  

[nuht-meg] / ˈnʌt mɛg /

noun

1. the hard, aromatic seed of the fruit of an East Indian tree, Myristica fragrans, used in grated form as a spice.

2. the similar product of certain other trees of the same genus or other genera.

3. a tree bearing such seeds.

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nutmeg British  

/ ˈnʌtmɛɡ /

noun

1. an East Indian evergreen tree, Myristica fragrans, cultivated in the tropics for its hard aromatic seed: family Myristicaceae See also mace 2

2. the seed of this tree, used as a spice

3. any of several similar trees or their fruit

4. a greyish-brown colour

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verb

1. informal sport to kick or hit the ball between the legs of (an opposing player)

Other Word Forms

• nutmegged
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of nutmeg

1300–50; Middle English notemug ( g ) e, perhaps back formation from *notemugede ( -ede being taken as -ed ³ ), equivalent to note nut + mugede < Old French < Late Latin muscāta musky; see musk, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Jamaican jerk seasoning, made with allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, is a reminder that the spice route reached all the way to the Western Hemisphere.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Once you know those, you’re free to riff — to add lemon zest or nutmeg or a fistful of herbs — the culinary equivalent of adding fringe.

From Salon • Nov. 4, 2025

You can also try spicing up your vanilla, per Redditor u/shazeaa: “Vanilla bean and some nutmeg to bring on the richness!”

From Salon • Sep. 19, 2025

The cafe now offers six varieties and Ms Geraedts said customers loved the dish's rich, comforting flavour, seasoned with cayenne pepper, nutmeg, paprika and Worcestershire sauce.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2025

Christmas at home had meant eating Momma’s bread pudding with maple syrup and nutmeg, and reading the Gospel of Matthew out loud whilst Ruth played in Momma’s lap.

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Related Words

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• gourd
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