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

Producers take big swings with unexpected botanicals like earthy eucalyptus, zesty green turmeric, and floral, fragrant mangosteen, a fruit native to Southeast Asia. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 20 Mar. 2025

Golden milk and premenstrual syndrome Golden milk gets its signature yellowish hue from its main ingredient: turmeric. —María Quiles, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025

Golden Milk Golden milk is a drink made with milk, ground turmeric, and other spices like ginger and black pepper. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Mar. 2025

Their most popular flavors were blueberry sage, lime ginger, raspberry rose and pineapple turmeric. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 17 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