thyme

noun

1
: any of a genus (Thymus) of Eurasian mints with small pungent aromatic leaves
especially : a Mediterranean garden herb (T. vulgaris)
2
: thyme leaves used as a seasoning

Examples of thyme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Add the garlic, oregano, thyme and red pepper flakes. Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2024 Stir in the carrots, paprika (if using), half of the split peas, thyme and 8 cups stock or water. Ali Slagle, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024 While the group stopped every 15 seconds to take pictures and buy souvenirs, Ruiz stayed on point, picking out a whole chicken, bright yellow feet still attached; a big, bulbous squash; tomatoes and tomatillos; avocado leaves; thyme and oregano. Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2024 Add water, butternut squash, thyme, crushed red pepper, bay leaf and water. The Courier-Journal, 16 Jan. 2024 Beef tips are smothered in a savory mix of Burgundy wine, mustard, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Jan. 2024 My current thought is thyme, which shouldn’t need much watering once established. Melinda Myers, Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2024 Baude, a new brand that caters to perfume lovers in particular, just launched Baude Dark Wave Utopia Body Lotion, which has notes of fresh grass, orchids, Spanish thyme, and leather. Hannah Baxter, Allure, 5 Mar. 2024 Add the garlic, thyme, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper and stir to coat. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thyme.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French time, thime, from Latin thymum, from Greek thymon, probably from thyein to make a burnt offering, sacrifice; akin to Latin fumus smoke — more at fume

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thyme was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near thyme

Cite this Entry

“Thyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thyme. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

thyme

noun
ˈtīm How to pronounce thyme (audio)
 also  ˈthīm
1
: any of a genus of Eurasian mints with small fragrant leaves
especially : one grown for use in seasoning food
2
: thyme leaves used as a seasoning

Medical Definition

thyme

noun
ˈtīm also ˈthīm
: any of a genus (Thymus) of mints with small pungent aromatic leaves
especially : a garden herb (T. vulgaris) used in seasoning and formerly in medicine especially as a stimulant and carminative

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