cumin

noun

cum·​in ˈkə-mən  ˈkyü-  ˈkü- 

: a small annual herb (Cuminum cyminum) of the carrot family cultivated for its aromatic fruits

also : the seedlike fruit of cumin used as a spice

Did you know?

Cumin is a small, slender annual herb of the carrot family, cultivated in the Mediterranean region, India, China, and Mexico. Its seeds, which are actually dried fruits, are used in many mixed spices, chutneys, and chili and curry powders. Cumin is especially popular in Asian, North African, and Latin American cuisines. Its oil is used in perfumes, for flavoring liquors, and for medicinal purposes.

Examples of cumin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a small bowl, combine the paprikas, cumin, salt, black pepper and cayenne and stir to blend. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 9 June 2026

Mix the buttermilk, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and pepper, then coat the chicken thoroughly. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 9 June 2026

Dinner can be stuffed bell peppers filled with brown rice, lentils, diced tomatoes and cumin, then finished with cheese. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026

Each shrimp is carefully cleaned and then pan-seared with cumin, coriander and masala. —Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cymen, from Latin cuminum, from Greek kyminon, of Semitic origin; akin to Akkadian kamūnu cumin

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cumin

• crewman
• crewmen
• human
• lumen
• numen
• rumen
• suman
• acumen
• albumen
• albumin
• bitumen
• cerumen