masala

noun

ma·​sa·​la mä-ˈsä-lä How to pronounce masala (audio)
-lə,
mə-
: a varying blend of spices used in Indian cooking

Examples of masala 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.
A couple of my favorites included a chicken tikka masala and crab cakes with potatoes and kale. Sarah Garone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025 Drinks are an emphasis here, with a cocktail menu featuring interesting flavors like cardamom, chicory, jasmine and masala salt. Andrew King, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025 Among the restaurants his family frequented was a place called Julio’s, in Artesia, south of L.A., which offered pizza with Indian toppings, and appetizers such as desi poppers and masala wings. Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025 Relative newbie to the scene Jungle Kitchen, launched in Singapore in 2023, uses Sri Lankan jackfruit as a vegan mince substitute, while the seeds go into a masala stew. Liang Lei, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for masala

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu masālā materials, ingredients, spices

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of masala was in 1780

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Cite this Entry

“Masala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masala. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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