1. The small black pungent seeds of an annual herb (Nigella sativa) of the buttercup family native to southwest Asia, used as a seasoning in southern and western Asian cuisines and for medicinal purposes. Also called nigella.

2. The dark brown, crescent-shaped seeds of an herb (Bunium persicum) of the parsley family native to southwest Asia, used as a seasoning in southern and western Asian cuisines.