sumac

noun

su·​mac ˈshü-ˌmak  ˈsü- 

variants or less commonly sumach

1

: any of a genus (Rhus) of trees, shrubs, and woody vines of the cashew family that have leaves turning to brilliant colors in the autumn, small usually dioecious flowers, and spikes or loose clusters of red or whitish berries compare poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac

2

: a material used in tanning and dyeing that consists of dried powdered leaves and flowers of various sumacs

3

: the tart dried and ground red berries of several sumacs (such as Rhus coriaria) used as a spice especially in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking

Examples of sumac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both trails were lined with some of my favorite native vegetation, including mountain lilac, laurel sumac and sage. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025

Gordon uses pistachio flour to further boost the creamy, nutty profile, and a blend of sumac, coriander and fleur de sel in the lemon glaze lends a warmth to the finished cake. Get the recipe. —Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025

Two crouch over an oven, baking flatbreads stuffed with spinach, onion and sumac; another fries cauliflower and boils rice on the stove. —Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 20 Mar. 2025

The heat will be balanced by a refreshing salad sprinkled with sumac and garnished with pickled red onions. —Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sumac, from Anglo-French, ultimately from Arabic summāq

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing sumac

• poison sumac
• staghorn sumac

Rhymes for sumac

• sumach

Kids Definition

sumac

noun

su·​mac

variants also sumach

ˈsü-ˌmak 

ˈshü-

1

: a material used in tanning and dyeing made of the leaves and other parts of sumac

2

: any of a genus of trees, shrubs, and woody vines related to the cashew and having leaves turning to brilliant colors in autumn, spikes or loose clusters of red or whitish berries, and in some cases leaves or berries that are irritating to the skin compare poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac

Medical Definition

sumac

noun

su·​mac

variants also sumach

ˈsü-ˌmak  ˈshü- 

: any of various plants of the genus Rhus including several (as poison sumac) having foliage poisonous to the touch compare poison ivy, poison oak