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

Supplements that include both probiotics and turmeric in one capsule are available. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 2 Apr. 2025

Add the salt, turmeric, 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds, and cardamom. —Vicky Hallett, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025

Dusted, with its unique and tantalizing flavors like furikake, spicy all purpose seasoning, ramen and turmeric, goes beyond those ordinary flavor packs like cheddar to really give even the most ordinary kernel an elevated profile. —Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

The rats exposed to harmful oils without the addition of turmeric and ginger showed significant effects of oxidative damage, while the rats exposed to harmful oils with the addition of turmeric and ginger did not show these effects.3 2. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 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