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

Explanation

Thyme is a plant that's used for cooking and smells great too. If you're an aspiring chef, you're probably very familiar with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Thyme is a common ingredient in many culinary traditions, including French and Middle Eastern food. In ancient Greece, thyme was believed to inspire courage, and it was commonly burned as incense and used in ritual baths. Before antibiotics were discovered, thyme oil was often used as an antiseptic (and the germ-killing mouthwash Listerine still includes thyme in its ingredients). The root of thyme means "rise in a cloud," a possible reference to its strong scent.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

thyme

Blueberries are especially good this way, tumbled with honey, orange zest and a few sprigs of thyme until they become jammy and fragrant.

From Salon ● Jul. 21, 2026

He grows about 60 different crops, including herbs such as rosemary and thyme, heirloom tomatoes and cucumbers, and pick-your-own strawberries and flowers.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 2, 2026

The pumpkin rice and peas, seasoned with thyme, from Dominica was a good complement to the Trinidadian curry shrimp, whose pot was licked clean.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 2026

Herbs: Specifically, thyme, tarragon and rosemary — aromatic herbs that go well in almost any savory dish.

From Salon ● Feb. 26, 2026

"I can taste the basil and the thyme," said the guest, "but there is another taste I find harder to place."

From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman