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

Get The Recipe 15 of 60 Garlic Shrimp and Herbed Couscous Salad Ready in 27 minutes This light dinner recipe shows off fresh ingredients like lemon, oregano, thyme, parsley, and cucumber. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024

Each palm-sized replica, from allspice to thyme, was hand-painted to be representative of the contents: bay leaves adorned with delicate foliage, garlic with purple blooms, and saffron’s shingled roof a shade perfectly matching the color of the spice. —Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2024

The only herb used in this casserole is fresh, floral thyme. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 26 Sep. 2024

The pods offer garden staples like thyme, strawberries, basil, and cilantro. —Sarah Han, Allure, 23 Sep. 2024

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

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