cumin
noun
cum·in ˈkə-mən 
ˈkyü- ˈkü-
ˈkyü- ˈkü- : a small annual herb (Cuminum cyminum) of the carrot family cultivated for its aromatic fruits
also : the seedlike fruit of cumin used as a spice
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Cumin is a small, slender annual herb of the carrot family, cultivated in the Mediterranean region, India, China, and Mexico. Its seeds, which are actually dried fruits, are used in many mixed spices, chutneys, and chili and curry powders. Cumin is especially popular in Asian, North African, and Latin American cuisines. Its oil is used in perfumes, for flavoring liquors, and for medicinal purposes.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The base for the shrimp ulli theeyal springs from cumin, fenugreek, onions and more introduced to one another in a hot pan slicked with sesame oil. 
Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 2 Sep. 2022 Meanwhile, to make the masala: In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, red chile powder, jaggery, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Anita Jaisinghani, Robb Report, 29 Aug. 2022 It's made with sugar, salt, white pepper, cayenne, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander and some sage and oregano. Mackensy Lunsford, USA TODAY, 20 Aug. 2022 Resting on a bed of onions and herbs, the okra quickly confits in an olive-oil bath perfumed with cumin, ginger, garlic and turmeric. Kitty Greenwald, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2022 Garlic, cumin, bell peppers, and homemade pico de gallo do the trick. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2022 Toast cardamom seeds, peppercorns, coriander and cumin in a small dry skillet over medium heat, shaking skillet often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 2 Aug. 2022 In a large saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, dry mustard, salt and pepper. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 23 July 2022 Tandoori, with saffron, paprika, cumin, and cardamom; and Za’atar, which includes sumac, thyme, mint, and Aleppo pepper. Ann Trieger Kurland, BostonGlobe.com, 21 June 2022 See More
Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 2 Sep. 2022 Meanwhile, to make the masala: In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, red chile powder, jaggery, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Anita Jaisinghani, Robb Report, 29 Aug. 2022 It's made with sugar, salt, white pepper, cayenne, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander and some sage and oregano. Mackensy Lunsford, USA TODAY, 20 Aug. 2022 Resting on a bed of onions and herbs, the okra quickly confits in an olive-oil bath perfumed with cumin, ginger, garlic and turmeric. Kitty Greenwald, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2022 Garlic, cumin, bell peppers, and homemade pico de gallo do the trick. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2022 Toast cardamom seeds, peppercorns, coriander and cumin in a small dry skillet over medium heat, shaking skillet often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 2 Aug. 2022 In a large saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, dry mustard, salt and pepper. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 23 July 2022 Tandoori, with saffron, paprika, cumin, and cardamom; and Za’atar, which includes sumac, thyme, mint, and Aleppo pepper. Ann Trieger Kurland, BostonGlobe.com, 21 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English cymen, from Latin cuminum, from Greek kyminon, of Semitic origin; akin to Akkadian kamūnu cumin
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above