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

Whisk the lime juice, vinegar, garlic, mustard, honey, cumin, salt and black pepper in a small bowl. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 4 June 2025

Made with ground chicken (the dark meat kind, not the breast meat), these kebabs are generously spiced with red pepper, paprika, cumin, sumac and onion. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025

Whole spices -- peppercorns, cumin seed, coriander seed, cardamom pods, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks -- will keep longer than ground. —Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 27 May 2025

An entire pig is filled with a mix of yellow peas, white rice, onions, and garlic and seasoned with a blend of spices, such as cumin, green onions, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. —Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025

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