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

Prep Onions In an extra large bowl combine butter, thyme, garlic salt, smoked paprika, black pepper and cayenne pepper. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025

Add beef broth, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. —Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2025

Next, add the thyme, bay leaves, 2 cups of water, the browned pork and any juices that have accumulated in the bowl. —Claudia Alexander, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025

Key ingredients: Wild thyme extract (for hydration) How to apply: Fenty Beauty recommends finishing off your glam by either applying by spraying 8 inches from your face, or directly onto a makeup sponge and patting the product into your skin. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 3 Mar. 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