sumac

American  

[soo-mak, shoo-] / ˈsu mæk, ˈʃu- /

Or sumach

noun

1. any of several shrubs or small trees belonging to the genus Rhus of the cashew family, having milky sap, compound leaves, and small, fleshy fruit.

2. a preparation of the dried and powdered leaves, bark, etc., of certain species of Rhus, especially R. coriaria of southern Europe, used especially in tanning.

3. the wood of these trees.

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Etymology

Origin of sumac

1250–1300; Middle English < Medieval Latin < Arabic summāq

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sumac

“Recipes From the American South” is a cookbook that I will come back to again and again for its roasts and stews, cakes and pies—and surprises like Appalachian lemonade made from sumac.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 2025

I share Vejar’s loathing for the relentless “tree of heaven,” the deciduous plant that is sometimes called a stinking sumac.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2025

If that doesn’t do it, try a crank of freshly ground black pepper, a dash of sumac or a squeeze of lemon.

From Salon ● Mar. 21, 2025

Think about fresh herbs, curry powder, cumin, minced garlic, za’atar, chili powder, Aleppo pepper or sumac.

From Washington Times ● Dec. 4, 2023

“June seventeenth he and Mother climbed the long, hard mountain trail to my home. One look at their faces told me they had not come for sumac tea.”

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George

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