turmeric

American  

[tur-mer-ik, too-, tyoo-] / ˈtɜr mər ɪk, ˈtu-, ˈtyu- /

noun

1. the aromatic rhizome of an Asian plant, Curcuma domestica (orC. longa ), of the ginger family.

2. a powder prepared from it, used as a condiment, as in curry powder, or as a yellow dye, a medicine, etc.

3. the plant itself.

4. any of various similar substances or plants.

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turmeric British  

/ ˈtɜːmərɪk /

noun

1. a tropical Asian zingiberaceous plant, Curcuma longa , having yellow flowers and an aromatic underground stem

2. the powdered stem of this plant, used as a condiment and as a yellow dye

3. any of several other plants with similar roots

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Etymology

Origin of turmeric

First recorded in 1530–40; alteration of earlier tarmaret, late Middle English termerite, turmerite; akin to Medieval Latin terra merita, French terre-mérite, literally “merited earth,” an unexplained name for curcuma ( def. )

Explanation

Turmeric is a plant that's related to ginger and is commonly used in cooking. The turmeric used as a spice is made by grinding and drying the root of the turmeric plant. When a recipe calls for ground turmeric, you'll reach for a bright yellow powder with a mustard-like smell. Turmeric adds this hue to the dishes it's included in, as well as a slightly bitter flavor. It's used in a wide variety of dishes world-wide, although it's particularly common in South and East Asian foods like Indian curries, Vietnamese bánh xèo, and Thai turmeric soup. Some experts believe turmeric comes from the Medieval Latin terra merita, or "worthy earth."

Example Sentences

"It's very hard to keep China out of play," said Sharma whose firm Haldy's turmeric mints and packaging are produced in China.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Expect to see more turmeric and spirulina extracts and “fruit and vegetable juice” listed on your candy wrappers in the next few years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

General Mills learned in 2016 that shoppers weren’t fans of a new Trix cereal made with all-natural ingredients, including dyes derived from radishes, purple carrots and turmeric.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 1, 2025

"The cortisol cocktail, Ashwagandha tablets, turmeric, black pepper supplements, lavender balm on my forehead - anything."

From BBC • Jun. 21, 2025

“Definitely red, but make it browner, like turmeric or cinnamon. The color red is supposed to make you hungry.”

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan