plural misos
: a fermented paste that is used especially in Japanese cuisine, that consists chiefly of soybeans, salt, and usually grain (such as barley or rice), and that has a savory taste ranging from very salty to somewhat sweet
… miso, the savory paste that flavors everything in Japanese cuisine from soups and pickles to dressings for salads.—
Harris Salat
Harris SalatDarker misos, such as brown and red, are fermented longer and have a stronger flavor. Lighter-colored misos have been fermented for less time, and have a milder, less salty flavor …—Robin Asbell
Robin AsbellMiso is teeming with protein, B vitamins and minerals, and rich in glutamates, which give food that meaty taste known as umami.—Carole Kotkin
Carole Kotkin… miso paste is made by fermenting soybeans and sometimes grains (such as rice, barley, or rye) with a mold …—Cook's Illustrated
Cook's IllustratedWe live on rice, fish, pickles, noodles, and miso soup, made from soybeans.—James Fallows
James FallowsExamples of miso in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The sauce—made with miso, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a dollop of mayo—doubles as both a marinade for the chicken and finishing drizzle.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Feb. 2026
Indulge in a half-lobster smothered in miso butter, served over housemade noodles in a rich miso broth with all the fixings (like corn and namaru).
—Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Briny notes—think olives, capers, and anchovies—bring depth, while umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms, aged cheeses, miso, and soy sauce add a satisfying savoriness that lingers.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026
Bone broth, vegetable broth, and miso are all warm, comforting drinks that pack both umami and nutrition.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2026
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The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Feb. 2026
Indulge in a half-lobster smothered in miso butter, served over housemade noodles in a rich miso broth with all the fixings (like corn and namaru).
—Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Briny notes—think olives, capers, and anchovies—bring depth, while umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms, aged cheeses, miso, and soy sauce add a satisfying savoriness that lingers.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026
Bone broth, vegetable broth, and miso are all warm, comforting drinks that pack both umami and nutrition.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for miso
Cite this Entry
“Miso.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miso. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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