: 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.
Examples of cumin in a Sentence
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The scent is smoky yet sweet, spicy yet smooth, dark but with an underlying lightness—the result of combining clean white musk with rose, tobacco, suede, and cumin.
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Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Scott chose a color palette described as energetic magenta, guava, fluo lime, an amazing grenadine red, cumin, passionfruit, storm grey, black, and white, made for even more striking silhouettes.
—Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Stir in chili powder, salt, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2025
The protein, which is grilled steak marinated in a blend of cumin, coriander, garlic and oregano, topped with fresh lime and cilantro, is back for a limited time, though an end-date is not clear.
—Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
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Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Scott chose a color palette described as energetic magenta, guava, fluo lime, an amazing grenadine red, cumin, passionfruit, storm grey, black, and white, made for even more striking silhouettes.
—Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Stir in chili powder, salt, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2025
The protein, which is grilled steak marinated in a blend of cumin, coriander, garlic and oregano, topped with fresh lime and cilantro, is back for a limited time, though an end-date is not clear.
—Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cumin
Cite this Entry
“Cumin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumin. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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