thyme

American  

[tahym, thahym] / taɪm, θaɪm /

noun

1. 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.

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thyme British  

/ taɪm /

noun

1. 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)

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Other Word Forms

• thymy adjective

Etymology

Origin of thyme

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

Example Sentences

Roasted fruit welcomes herbs: rosemary with grapes, thyme with honeyed peaches, basil with strawberries.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

An almost aggressively spiced medley: Italian breadcrumbs, Old Bay, thyme, oregano, garlic powder; a pantry symphony that bordered on excessive in the way only a ’90s “healthy” recipe could.

From Salon • Feb. 24, 2026

Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University and Surgut State University in Russia developed this method for creating encapsulated nanodoses of thyme.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2026

The process relies on carefully controlled streams of thyme extract, gelatin, sodium alginate -- a commonly used thickening agent in the food industry -- and oil.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2026

The wind ruffled their fur and tugged at the grass, which smelled of thyme and self-heal.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams