variants
or less commonly sumach
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
Recent pairings have included marjoram and sumac, as well as thyme and oregano.
—
Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2025
The menu features the classic items that have made Amavi New York so successful: lamb chops with pomegranate molasses and sumac; a whole branzino grilled right at the table with Mediterranean herbs; and the famous lobster pasta, which is tossed with basil and cherry tomatoes.
—Connie Ogle
july 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
In a small bowl, stir together oil, sumac, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 14 July 2025
Start with that sweet bounty of summer corn, and then add sumac and feta to add just the right amount of flavor and zest to this go-to summer recipe.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sumac
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Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2025
The menu features the classic items that have made Amavi New York so successful: lamb chops with pomegranate molasses and sumac; a whole branzino grilled right at the table with Mediterranean herbs; and the famous lobster pasta, which is tossed with basil and cherry tomatoes.
—Connie Ogle
july 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
In a small bowl, stir together oil, sumac, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 14 July 2025
Start with that sweet bounty of summer corn, and then add sumac and feta to add just the right amount of flavor and zest to this go-to summer recipe.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sumac
Cite this Entry
“Sumac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sumac. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sumac
noun
su·mac
variants
also sumach
ˈsü-ˌmak 
ˈshü-
1
: a material used in tanning and dyeing made of the leaves and other parts of sumac
2
: any of a genus of trees, shrubs, and woody vines related to the cashew and having leaves turning to brilliant colors in autumn, spikes or loose clusters of red or whitish berries, and in some cases leaves or berries that are irritating to the skin compare poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac
Medical Definition
sumac
noun
su·mac
: 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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