miso

noun

mi·​so ˈmē-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce miso (audio)
plural misos
: a fermented paste that is used especially in Japanese cuisine, that consists chiefly of soybeans, salt, and usually grain (such as barley or rice), and that has a savory taste ranging from very salty to somewhat sweet
miso, the savory paste that flavors everything in Japanese cuisine from soups and pickles to dressings for salads.Harris Salat
Darker misos, such as brown and red, are fermented longer and have a stronger flavor. Lighter-colored misos have been fermented for less time, and have a milder, less salty flavor …Robin Asbell
Miso is teeming with protein, B vitamins and minerals, and rich in glutamates, which give food that meaty taste known as umami.Carole Kotkin
miso paste is made by fermenting soybeans and sometimes grains (such as rice, barley, or rye) with a mold …Cook's Illustrated
We live on rice, fish, pickles, noodles, and miso soup, made from soybeans.James Fallows

Examples of miso in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a small bowl, combine scallions, mustard, ginger, garlic, miso, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 6 tablespoons of the oil. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, The Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2025 Studies show that incorporating foods that have undergone the fermentation process and have live cultures—think yogurt, kimchi, miso, tempeh, and kombucha—can help with gut issues, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and be anti-inflammatory. Ana Morales, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2025 Ingredients like miso, sesame, and seaweed bring a refreshing change to flavors in mixology. Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 These phytoestrogen types are found in foods like soy (tofu, miso, tempeh, edamame), legumes, and lentils. Wendy Wisner, Health, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for miso 

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of miso was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near miso

Cite this Entry

“Miso.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miso. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

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