American Pronunciation: In American English, "cumin" is commonly pronounced as /ˈkjuːmɪn/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: KYOO-min. The "kyoo" sound is like the word "cue," and the "min" resembles "min" in "minimum."
British Pronunciation: In British English, "cumin" can be pronounced as /ˈkjuːmɪn/ like in American English, or sometimes as /ˈkʌmɪn/, with the first syllable sounding more like "cum" in "cumulative." The pronunciation with the "kʌ" sound is less common but recognized.
Definition of
cumin
Cumin is a noun that refers to a small, tan-colored seed commonly used as a spice in many cuisines. It can also refer to the plant that produces these seeds. For example:
- "Add a teaspoon of ground cumin to the chili for extra flavor."
- "Cumin is a key ingredient in Indian curries."
- "The cumin plant grows well in hot and dry climates."
- "Cumin has a strong, distinctive aroma."
- "The chef sprinkled some whole cumin seeds on top of the dish as a garnish."
What does it mean
cumin
Frequently asked questions
How do you say cumin correctly?
To pronounce cumin correctly, stress the first syllable: KYOO-min or KOO-min, depending on your accent. Listening to native speakers and practicing daily with pronunciation tools will help you master it.
Are there similar words or synonyms for cumin?
Cumin is a unique spice and doesn’t have exact synonyms in English. However, it is sometimes referred to by its scientific name Cuminum cyminum. In other regions and languages, it may be called jeera, comino, or zira.
What are common misconceptions about the word cumin?
Some people confuse cumin with caraway due to similar appearance, but they have different flavors. Another common confusion is spelling it with two m’s. Make sure to use a single ‘m’ when writing cumin.