thyme

[tahym; spelling pronunciation thahym]

noun

any of numerous plants belonging to the genus Thymus, of the mint family, including the common garden herb T. vulgaris, a low subshrub having narrow, aromatic leaves used for seasoning.

Origin of thyme

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin thymum < Greek thýmon

Can be confusedthyme time

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for thyme

Contemporary Examples of thyme

Add the butter, chicken stock, salt, bay leaf, thyme, and tarragon and bring to a simmer.
Daniel Boulud Reveals His 4 Favorite Recipes From His New Cookbook
Daniel Boulud
October 15, 2013
“Very herbal, minty, some thyme, rosemary, lots of linden,” he concludes.
Honey Harvest at the Waldorf Astoria’s Beehives
Josh Dzieza
August 3, 2013
In addition to Central Park, they have new raised bed gardens on the rooftop with basil, sage, thyme, tomatoes, and squash.
Honey Harvest at the Waldorf Astoria’s Beehives
Josh Dzieza
August 3, 2013
Combine the breadcrumbs with the thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Perfect Valentine’s Day Feast
Lydia Brownlow
February 13, 2012
Add the onions, tomatoes, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, cumin, cloves and cinnamon.
Into the Heart of Turkey
Sophie Menin
September 28, 2010

Historical Examples of thyme

Chop some parsley and thyme together, a handful of each, and boil it in a little of the liquor in which the rabbit is boiling.
The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches,
Mary Eaton
I shouted as I handed them some of the thyme, "Just look how delicious this is!"
Boyhood
Leo Tolstoy
"Cis and Thyme would feel it awfully if you and B.—-" He stopped.
Fraternity
John Galsworthy
Thyme brought me back to lunch, and here I've been ever since.
Fraternity
John Galsworthy
Thyme had told her that Hilary was in the dining-room, and wanted specially to see her.
Fraternity
John Galsworthy

British Dictionary definitions for thyme

thyme

noun

any of various small shrubs of the temperate genus Thymus, having a strong mintlike odour, small leaves, and white, pink, or red flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

Derived Formsthymy, adjective

Word Origin for thyme

C14: from Old French thym, from Latin thymum, from Greek thumon, from thuein to make a burnt offering

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

Word Origin and History for thyme

plant of the mint family, late 14c., from Old French thym, tym (13c.), from Latin thymum, from Greek thymon, possibly from thyein "burn as a sacrifice," which would indicate the plant was used as incense.