turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik How to pronounce turmeric (audio)
also
ˈtü-mə- How to pronounce turmeric (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Roti jala is a lacy net pancake, bright yellow with turmeric, usually served with rich dhal or curry. — Julie Lin, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 June 2026 Our choice today is honeybush vanilla turmeric. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 1 June 2026 More research is needed to determine if cooking with turmeric provides the same benefits. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 18 June 2026 These get their punchy flavor and bright color from pickling salt, cider vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, peppercorns, and ground turmeric. — Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for turmeric

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turmeryte

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of turmeric was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

turmaline
turmeric
turmeric paper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turmeric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turmeric. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

turmeric

noun
tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik How to pronounce turmeric (audio)
also
ˈtü-mə- How to pronounce turmeric (audio)
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 How to pronounce turmeric (audio)
variants also tumeric
ˈt(y)ü-mə- How to pronounce turmeric (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on turmeric

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about turmeric

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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