sumac
noun
su·mac
| \ ˈshü-ˌmak
, ˈsü-\
, ˈsü-\
variants:
or less commonly sumach
Definition of sumac
1
: any of a genus (Rhus) of trees, shrubs, and woody vines of the cashew family that have leaves turning to brilliant colors in the autumn, small usually dioecious flowers, and spikes or loose clusters of red or whitish berries — compare poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac
2
: a material used in tanning and dyeing that consists of dried powdered leaves and flowers of various sumacs
3
: the tart dried and ground red berries of several sumacs (such as Rhus coriaria) used as a spice especially in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking
Examples of sumac in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The difference often comes from subtle ingredients and seasonings, such as intensely tart-sweet pomegranate molasses and the powerfully lemony spice called sumac. — Wolfgang Puck, Twin Cities, "Wolfgang Puck: Middle Eastern fare is perfect for your summer table," 7 Aug. 2019 Chicken is rubbed with sumac, cinnamon and allspice and served on top of flatbread baked in a clay oven, then drenched in rich, fruity olive oil and smothered with caramelised onions and fried almonds. — The Economist, "How to eat well while living under siege," 2 Aug. 2019 The version here is brushed with a mixture of olive oil and za’atar, the herb blend with sumac and sesame seeds, before going into the hot oven. — Tara Duggan, SFChronicle.com, "Recipe: Reem’s Za’atar Man’oushe," 2 Aug. 2019 Makes 4 servings Tart and vibrant, sumac is a common seasoning in Middle Eastern cooking. — Christopher Kimball, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipes: Three refreshing salads to beat the heat," 17 July 2019 Stir in sumac and saffron water to form a uniform sauce. — Kitty Greenwald, WSJ, "This Recipe Will Make Your House Smell Heavenly," 24 June 2019 There’s chicken under a brick, pressed flat, tattooed with sumac, served with escarole and rosemary brown butter. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "Celebrating simple pleasures at Karen Akunowicz’s restaurant Fox & the Knife," 23 July 2019 Yes, Green Corner looks like an antiseptic neighborhood counter-service joint, but just try to keep me away from the kifta kabob, scented with sumac and cinnamon, tender and meaty and dripping with sizzling lamb fat. — Dominic Armato, azcentral, "The best restaurants in Mesa," 15 July 2019 The tool is made from a bundle of prickly pear cactus spines, their tips saturated with dark pigment, inserted into a handle carved from lemonade sumac and bound with yucca fiber. — Krista Langlois, National Geographic, "2,000-year-old tattoo needle identified by archaeologists," 28 Feb. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sumac.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for sumac
sumac
noun
English Language Learners Definition of sumac
: a type of tree, bush, or vine that has many small leaves and produces red or white berries
See the full definition for sumac in the English Language Learners Dictionary
sumac
noun
su·mac
variants:
also sumach \ ˈshü-ˌmak , ˈsü- \
Kids Definition of sumac
: a tree, shrub, or woody vine that has leaves with many leaflets and loose clusters of red or white berries
sumac
noun
su·mac
variants:
also sumach \ ˈsü-ˌmak
, ˈshü-
\
, ˈshü-
\
Medical Definition of sumac
: any of various plants of the genus Rhus including several (as poison sumac) having foliage poisonous to the touch — compare poison ivy, poison oak
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