thyme

[ tahym; spelling pronunciation thahym ]

noun

1. any of numerous plants belonging to the genus Thymus, of the mint family, including the common garden herb T. vulgaris, a low subshrub having narrow, aromatic leaves used for seasoning.

thyme

/ taɪm /

noun

1. any of various small shrubs of the temperate genus Thymus, having a strong mintlike odour, small leaves, and white, pink, or red flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

Derived Forms

• ˈthymy, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of thyme¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin thymum < Greek thýmon

Word History and Origins

Origin of thyme¹

C14: from Old French thym, from Latin thymum, from Greek thumon, from thuein to make a burnt offering

Example Sentences

Then add garlic, thyme, white pepper, and salt, and cook another 2 minutes.

From Salon

You can substitute fresh tarragon for the thyme and any onion variety for the shallots as long as they are tiny minced.

From Salon

I also have a deep love for fresh herbs in my salads — coriander, dill, chives, parsley, oregano, thyme, rosemary and many others.

From Salon

Some common aromatic herbs have the limited ability to drive off mosquitoes, such as rosemary, garlic, basil, thyme and fennel.

From Los Angeles Times

“Or a plant that would normally creep, like a thyme plant, can be staked and turned into a topiary.”

From Seattle Times