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DictionarycuminSpice plant and seeds
noun

cumin

KYOO-min/ˈkjuːmɪn/

An aromatic spice seed or the plant that produces it.

A spoon holds cumin beside a pile of seeds.

A close botanical-food study of whole dried cumin seeds in a shallow spice dish, with a few scattered seeds and a small spoonful of ground cumin alongside.
Etymology
cuminGreekcumin

Greek kyminon names the cumin plant. The spice sense applies the plant’s name to its aromatic seedlike fruits, the part for which it is cultivated.

In context

America's Test Kitchen7:40
Ooh, I get the heat of the cayenne and the pepper. There's a little bit of warmth from the paprika and cumin, and it's delicious.
Get Better Tasting Meat: 5 Keys to Marinating | Techniquely with Lan Lam

More examples

  • A pinch of cumin flavored the stew.
  • The spice jar contained ground cumin.
  • The garden included a small patch of cumin.

Forms

cumin

Similar words

caraway
Caraway is a different seed spice with a distinct flavor; it should not be confused with cumin.
coriander
Coriander seed has a different flavor and comes from the cilantro plant; cumin comes from another plant.