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; musk, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Wafting through the air is a medley of warm spices I grew up savoring: nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, black pepper and ginger.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

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

The pie's filling consists of sliced rhubarb and strawberries cooked in granulated sugar, cornstarch, nutmeg, and a pinch of fine sea salt.

From Salon • May 23, 2025

Cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg were symbols of culinary sophistication, and these sweet spices started appearing alongside fruit in many savory dishes – especially breads, but also main courses.

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2024

The spoon slanting a bit, so that a bulge of the pudding was about to slide off, nutmeg skin and all.

From "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" by Gary D. Schmidt

Related Words

• cantaloupe
• gourd
• papaya
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