cumin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal in culinary contexts; scientific/formal when discussing botany or agriculture.
Quick answer
What does “cumin” mean?
A warm, earthy, slightly bitter spice made from the dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, used in cooking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A warm, earthy, slightly bitter spice made from the dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, used in cooking.
The spice or the plant (Cuminum cyminum) from the parsley family that produces the seeds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Pronunciation differs (see IPA).
Connotations
Neutral culinary term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equal frequency in culinary contexts, corresponding to the popularity of cuisines (e.g., Indian, Middle Eastern, Mexican) in each region.
Grammar
How to Use “cumin” in a Sentence
[uncountable noun] Add some cumin.[attributive noun] Toast the cumin seeds.[partitive] A pinch of cumin.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of food import/export, spice trade, and culinary product marketing.
Academic
Used in botany, agriculture, food science, and historical studies of trade routes.
Everyday
Common in recipes, cooking instructions, and discussions about food.
Technical
Used in culinary arts, phytochemistry, and taxonomy (Cuminum cyminum).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cumin”
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cumin”
- Misspelling as 'cummin' or 'comin'.
- Mispronouncing as /ˈkʌm.ən/ in American English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. British English is typically /ˈkʌm.ɪn/ ('cumm-in'). American English is typically /ˈkjuː.mɪn/ or /ˈkuː.mɪn/ ('kyoo-min' or 'koo-min').
They are different plants and spices. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) has a warmer, earthier flavour, while caraway (Carum carvi) has a more anise-like, liquorice note. They are not direct substitutes.
Yes, but the flavour profile changes. Whole seeds toasted and ground offer a fresher, more aromatic flavour. Pre-ground powder is more convenient but can lose potency faster. Use about half the amount of powder if substituting for seeds in a dish cooked for a long time.
Store whole cumin seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Ground cumin loses its flavour more quickly and is best used within 3-6 months.
A warm, earthy, slightly bitter spice made from the dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, used in cooking.
Cumin is usually neutral to informal in culinary contexts; scientific/formal when discussing botany or agriculture. in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CUMIN adds COMfort to food with its UNique warm, earthy flavour.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not typically metaphorized.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following cuisines is cumin a staple spice?