# cumin

/ˈkjumən/ (US) · /kjˈuːmɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cumin
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the spice

noun · CEFR B2

a warm-smelling spice used in many dishes, especially in Indian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern food.

For teachers: the aromatic seed of the Cuminum cyminum plant, used either whole or ground as a culinary spice.

- I added a teaspoon of ground cumin to the chili to give it more flavour.
- The chef toasted the whole cumin seeds in a dry pan to release their essential oils before grinding them for the spice blend.

### 2. the plant

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the small plant that produces the seeds used for the spice.

For teachers: a small, slender annual herb in the family Apiaceae, native to the Irano-Turanian region.

- The farmer decided to grow cumin this year because the climate was dry enough.
- Cumin thrives in well-drained soil and requires a long, hot summer to ensure the seeds reach full maturity for harvest.

Usage: Usually refers to the species Cuminum cyminum in botanical contexts.

## Examples

- I always add a teaspoon of cumin to my chili.
- The recipe calls for toasted cumin seeds to give the sauce a deeper, earthier flavour.
- While many associate the spice with heat, cumin actually provides a warm, nutty foundation that balances the sharper notes of coriander and turmeric in traditional curry blends.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.