masala
Britishnoun
adjective
Etymology
Origin of masala
from Urdu masalah, from Arabic masalih ingredients
Explanation
In South Asian food, masala is the particular mix of spices that makes a dish taste so good. Depending on the masala you use, your curry may be extra spicy! Many Indian, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani cooks make their own special masalas for different dishes. A chickpea curry might use a masala that's heavy on the dried chiles, while a spicy, milky chai would be made with a masala that includes cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and other spices. Masala, borrowed from the Urdu masālā, "blend of spices," has an Arabic root.
Vocabulary lists containing masala
Foods from Asia
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5th Grade World Cuisine, List 1
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Moko Magic: Carnival Chaos
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Even masala chai would lose its signature, sultry kick.
From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026
He said Holland tucked into a chicken tikka masala, pilau rice and a garlic naan, while Zendaya enjoyed a chana saag bengan, paneer shaslik starter with a side of saag aloo.
From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025
Over nihari, a hearty stew served during celebrations, the family dreamt up a menu heavy with cumin, cardamom, garam masala and saffron while discussing their journey to America.
From Salon • Oct. 5, 2025
In the last five years, the nonprofit found, California school districts have added 41 new vegan dishes to their menus, including chana masala bowls, vegan tamales, and falafel wraps.
From Salon • Oct. 16, 2024
Over saag paneer and chicken tikka masala, Mrs. Richardson put her hand on Elizabeth’s arm.
From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
