noun
sumac
SOO-mak
Sumac (noun) means any of various shrubs or small trees of the genus Rhus and some related genera. Example: “A sumac by the fence turned bright red in autumn.”
noun
1
Any of various shrubs or small trees of the genus Rhus and some related genera.
"A sumac by the fence turned bright red in autumn."
"Several kinds of sumac grow along the roadside."
"The gardener planted a sumac for its colourful leaves."
2
A sour spice from the berries of tanner's sumac, popular in the Eastern Mediterranean.
"Sprinkle some sumac over the salad."
"The chicken was rubbed with sumac and garlic."
"Sumac gives the dish a sharp, lemony taste."
How to use sumac
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sour red spice, or the shrub it comes from.
When to use it
It is a neutral, everyday word in cooking and gardening.
Memory tip
It is usually uncountable, so people say some sumac rather than a sumac when they mean the spice.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
ground sumac
sprinkle with sumac
sumac berries
sumac tree
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A _____ by the fence turned bright red in autumn.
Etymology
The English word came through Middle English from Anglo-Norman and Old French, or directly from Medieval Latin. Those forms go back to Arabic summāq, which in turn comes from a Classical Syriac word meaning red.
Frequently asked questions
What is sumac?
Sumac is either a shrub or small tree of the genus Rhus, or a sour spice made from the berries of tanner's sumac.
What does sumac taste like?
The spice is sour, which is why it is used to add sharpness to dishes.
Is sumac spelled sumach?
Sumach is a recorded alternative spelling, though sumac is the usual form.
What is the meaning of sumac?
"sumac" (noun) means any of various shrubs or small trees of the genus Rhus and some related genera.
