thyme

noun

ˈtīm 

also

ˈthīm 

1

: any of a genus (Thymus) of Eurasian mints with small pungent aromatic leaves

especially : a Mediterranean garden herb (T. vulgaris)

2

: thyme leaves used as a seasoning

Examples of thyme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Arrange smoked turkey neck, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves around chicken, making sure turkey pieces are fully submerged; bring to a simmer over high. —Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2025

Samir’s team renders the notoriously gamey meat almost chicken-like by slowly cooking the rabbit in fat with bay leaves, sage and thyme, giving the whole dish an uber-comforting flavor reminiscent of chicken pot pie. —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 22 Sep. 2025

Seasoned with Adalina Prime’s house salt blend, cooked on a broiler at 800°F, and then brushed with beef tallow that were infused with gluten-free miso, yondu, vegan Worcestershire, rosemary, thyme, shallots, and garlic, this may become the restaurant’s signature dish. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Plant beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cilantro, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, kale, onions, oregano, parsley, peas, parsnips, potatoes, radishes, rosemary, thyme, and turnips. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 18 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French time, thime, from Latin thymum, from Greek thymon, probably from thyein to make a burnt offering, sacrifice; akin to Latin fumus smoke — more at fume

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing thyme

• lemon thyme

Rhymes for thyme

• chime
• chyme
• climb
• clime
• crime
• dime
• grime
• lime
• lyme
• mime
• prime
• rhyme

Kids Definition

thyme

noun

ˈtīm 

 also  ˈthīm

1

: any of a genus of Eurasian mints with small fragrant leaves

especially : one grown for use in seasoning food

2

: thyme leaves used as a seasoning

Medical Definition

thyme

noun

ˈtīm also ˈthīm

: any of a genus (Thymus) of mints with small pungent aromatic leaves

especially : a garden herb (T. vulgaris) used in seasoning and formerly in medicine especially as a stimulant and carminative