nutmeg

American  

[nuht-meg] / ˈnʌt mɛg /

noun

1. the hard, aromatic seed of the fruit of an East Indian tree, Myristica fragrans, used in grated form as a spice.

2. the similar product of certain other trees of the same genus or other genera.

3. a tree bearing such seeds.

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nutmeg British  

/ ˈnʌtmɛɡ /

noun

1. an East Indian evergreen tree, Myristica fragrans, cultivated in the tropics for its hard aromatic seed: family Myristicaceae See also mace 2

2. the seed of this tree, used as a spice

3. any of several similar trees or their fruit

4. a greyish-brown colour

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verb

1. informal sport to kick or hit the ball between the legs of (an opposing player)

Other Word Forms

• nutmegged adjective

Etymology

Origin of nutmeg

1300–50; Middle English notemug ( g ) e, perhaps back formation from *notemugede ( -ede being taken as -ed ³ ), equivalent to note nut + mugede < Old French < Late Latin muscāta musky; musk, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

You can also try spicing up your vanilla, per Redditor u/shazeaa: “Vanilla bean and some nutmeg to bring on the richness!”

From Salon • Sep. 19, 2025

The cafe now offers six varieties and Ms Geraedts said customers loved the dish's rich, comforting flavour, seasoned with cayenne pepper, nutmeg, paprika and Worcestershire sauce.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2025

I also like a hit of warmth, like a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom, to bring out the cherry's more latent flavors.

From Salon • May 6, 2025

But you can also branch out with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to give your glaze a slightly more modern edge.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2025

Her day dress is buttercup yellow and perfectly complements her new skin color—a dusky light brown, like warmed milk with cinnamon and nutmeg stirred into it.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• cantaloupe
• gourd
• papaya
• watermelon