nutmeg

noun

nut·​meg ˈnət-ˌmeg 

-ˌmāg

1

: an aromatic seed produced by an evergreen tree (Myristica fragrans of the family Myristicaceae, the nutmeg family) native to the Moluccas

also : the ground seed used as a spice compare mace sense 2

2

: a tree yielding nutmeg

Did you know?

Nutmeg is native to the Moluccas, Indonesian islands in the Malay Archipelago of Southeast Asia. The word nutmeg, however, comes from Old Occitan, a Romance language spoken in southern France during the latter half of the Middle Ages. Old Occitan "noz muscada" combines "noz" ("nut"), from Latin nuc-, nux, with "muscada," a feminine form of muscat, meaning "musky." The history of "muscat" can in turn be traced back through Late Latin, Greek, and Middle Persian to a Sanskrit word meaning "mouse."

Examples of nutmeg in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The oak influence highlights spice box aromas of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, a hint of ginger, and some cedar cigar box aromas. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 1 July 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

Stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and nutmeg in a medium bowl until combined; set aside. —Ana Calderone, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Earthy roasted coffee, cedar, and hints of nutmeg lead to a delightful finish of warm spice and cherry. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English notemigge, notemuge, ultimately from Old Occitan noz muscada, from noz nut (from Latin nuc-, nux) + muscada, feminine of muscat musky — more at muscat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nutmeg

• blackleg
• bootleg
• foreleg
• mpeg
• prepreg
• beg
• clegg
• egg
• keg
• leg
• legg
• meg

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Kids Definition

nutmeg

noun

nut·​meg ˈnət-ˌmeg 

: a spice that consists of the ground seeds of a small tropical evergreen tree grown especially in Indonesia

also : the seed or tree

Medical Definition

nutmeg

noun

nut·​meg ˈnət-ˌmeg, -ˌmāg 

1

: an aromatic seed that is used as a spice and is produced by a tree of the genus Myristica (M. fragrans of the family Myristicaceae, the nutmeg family) native to the Moluccas

called also myristica

2

: a tree that produces nutmegs