thyme: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral; common in culinary, botanical, and everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “thyme” mean?
A low-growing, aromatic herb with small leaves used in cooking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A low-growing, aromatic herb with small leaves used in cooking.
The plant Thymus vulgaris, or any species of Thymus, valued for its culinary and medicinal properties; sometimes used figuratively to denote something small but full of flavour or character.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Culinary sophistication, Mediterranean cuisine, herbal remedies.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, as a standard culinary term.
Grammar
How to Use “thyme” in a Sentence
[add/sprinkle] thyme [to/into] [dish/soup][garnish/flavour] [with] thyme[plant/grow/harvest] thymeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thyme” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A thyme-infused oil
- A thyme-scented garden
American English
- Thyme-seasoned chicken
- A thyme-flavored broth
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of herb farming, spice trade, or food manufacturing.
Academic
Used in botany, pharmacology, and culinary science literature.
Everyday
Common in recipes, gardening talk, and general cooking instructions.
Technical
Specific in botany (Lamiaceae family) and phytochemistry (thymol content).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thyme”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thyme”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thyme”
- Misspelling as 'thime' or 'thym'. Incorrect pluralisation ('thymes' for plants is fine, but not for the substance).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in standard British and American English, 'thyme' is pronounced /taɪm/, identical to 'time'.
Yes, but use about one-third the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated. The flavour profile will be slightly different.
Thyme has a more subtle, earthy, and slightly minty flavour, while oregano is more pungent, robust, and peppery. They are not direct substitutes.
Yes, both thyme (Thymus) and mint (Mentha) belong to the same botanical family, Lamiaceae (the mint family), which explains their aromatic qualities.
A low-growing, aromatic herb with small leaves used in cooking.
Thyme is usually neutral; common in culinary, botanical, and everyday contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Time, thyme and tide wait for no man (playful pun).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
'Thyme' sounds like 'time' – you need *time* to let thyme infuse its flavour.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLAVOUR IS A SUBSTANCE (thyme adds flavour), NATURE'S MEDICINE (thyme for health).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'thyme' most likely to be countable?