tamarind

noun

tam·​a·​rind ˈta-mə-rənd 

-ˌrind

1

: an African evergreen tree (Tamarindus indica) of the legume family that is widely grown in tropical regions and has hard yellowish wood, pinnate leaves, red-striped yellow flowers, and an edible fruit

2

: the fruit of the tamarind tree consisting of an oblong brown pod containing 1 to 12 flat seeds embedded in a brownish, sticky, acidic pulp which is used especially in preserves and pastes and to flavor foods and beverages

Illustration of tamarind

Examples of tamarind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Between the savory courses and dessert, a cook might come by to present a palate-cleansing bite of fruit, such as whole sweet tamarinds in their pods, or sticky white trapezoids of soursop. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 4 May 2025

From soursops and saltfish, black pineapple and pumpkin, plantains and coconut, or ackee and tamarind, products and their caretakers--from farmers and vendors, got center stage during the month-long celebration. —Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

With tamarind, Worcestershire and plenty of onions, the sauce helps coax out the wood smoke in the meat. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025

There is also a cocktail menu listing fusions such as a tamarind margarita, a lychee Moscow mule and an espresso martini made with Vietnamese drip coffee. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 8 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish & Portuguese tamarindo, from Arabic tamr hindī, literally, Indian date

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tamarind

noun

tam·​a·​rind ˈtam-ə-rənd 

-rind

: a tropical tree of the legume family that has hard yellowish wood, feathery leaves, and red-striped yellow flowers

also : its fruit which has a sour pulp used especially for preserves or as a seasoning in cooking

Medical Definition

tamarind

noun

tam·​a·​rind ˈtam-ə-rənd, -ˌrind 

1

: a tropical leguminous tree (Tamarindus indica) with hard yellowish wood and a fruit with an acid pulp

2

: the pulp of the partially dried ripe fruit of a tamarind used in herbal medicine especially for its laxative properties