turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

also

ˈtü-mə- 

 or  ˈtyü-

1

: an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa synonym C. domestica) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome

2

: the boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used as a coloring agent, a flavoring, or a stimulant

3

: a yellow to reddish-brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric

Examples of turmeric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prep time: 15 to 20 minutes Yield: 1 small jar (about 1 1/2 cups) Ingredients: 1 medium lemon 75 g (1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons) sugar Pinch of salt Pinch of ground turmeric (optional, but amps up the golden color) 1 large egg and 2 egg yolks 56 g (4 tablespoons) butter, cubed 1. —Martin Sorge, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025

The curcumin found in turmeric is thought to have many health benefits. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2025

Curcumin Curcumin is an antioxidant compound found in turmeric. —Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 28 Jan. 2025

Symptoms to watch for in 2025 include sore throat and fatigue Lindsey Leake Health Caroline Kennedy urges senators to reject her cousin RFK Jr.'s nomination Beth Greenfield Life Do turmeric supplements really treat pain, boost mood, and improve allergies? —Stephanie Watson, Fortune Well, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turmeryte

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

also

ˈtü-mə- 

ˈtyü-

1

: an Indian herb related to ginger and having a large yellow underground plant stem

2

: the boiled, dried, and usually ground underground plant stem of turmeric used especially as a flavoring or dye

Medical Definition

turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

variants also tumeric

ˈt(y)ü-mə- 

1

: an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome

2

: the cleaned, boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used in dietary supplements and herbal remedies and as a spice see curcumin

3

: a yellow to reddish brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric