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.
Pour the miso sauce all over the fish and vegetables, lower the heat to medium, and cover the pan with a lid or a sheet of kitchen foil. The Week Uk, theweek, 8 Nov. 2024 For breakfast, guests can choose between a traditional Japanese meal (think miso soup, grilled mackerel, and pickled vegetables) and continental fare. Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2024 This variety pack comes with the original flavor as well as the yuzu, miso, hot, and sweet honey options. Carina Finn, Bon Appétit, 8 Oct. 2024 The flavors are maximized and reduced with wine, tomato and black walnut miso. Kaila Yu, Forbes, 30 Sep. 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 24 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!