Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of aromatic herb: Thyme is a small, perennial herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae), specifically the genus Thymus. It is known for its fragrant leaves.
   • A culinary and medicinal herb: The leaves of the thyme plant are commonly used as a seasoning in cooking and have also been used in traditional medicine.

Usage

• Thyme is primarily used as a noun to refer to the herb itself, whether growing or dried.
• It is typically used as a non-count noun when referring to the herb as a substance (e.g., "add some thyme"). It can be a count noun when referring to varieties or individual plants (e.g., "several thymes grow in my garden").

Examples

• As a non-count noun (substance):
  • The recipe calls for a teaspoon of dried thyme.
  • The aroma of thyme filled the kitchen.
• As a count noun (plant/variety):
  • Lemon thyme is my favorite variety.
  • I planted three thymes in the herb garden.

Advanced Usage

• "A sprig of thyme": A small stem with leaves, often used in cooking.
  • Simmer the soup with a sprig of thyme.
• In botanical or gardening contexts, the Latin genus name may be used.

Variants and Related Words

• Thymol (noun): A crystalline compound found in thyme oil, used as an antiseptic and flavoring.
• Thyme-scented (adjective): Having a fragrance reminiscent of thyme.
  • The thyme-scented candle created a relaxing atmosphere.

Synonyms

• Herb: A general term for plants used for flavoring, food, or medicine.
• Seasoning: A substance used to add flavor to food.

Phrases and Collocations

• Wild thyme: Thyme that grows naturally in the wild, often .
  • Bees love the flowers of wild thyme.
• Thyme oil: An essential oil distilled from thyme.
• To season with thyme: To use thyme as a flavoring.
  • She seasoned the roast chicken with thyme and garlic.

Related Idioms

• While there are no common idioms centered solely on the word "thyme," it is famously part of the pun "to have time for someone" vs. "to have thyme for someone," playing on the homophones "time" and "thyme." This is often used in a playful, poetic, or branding context.
  • A gardener's motto: "I have thyme for you."

Noun

1. leaves can be used as seasoning for almost any meat and stews and stuffings and vegetables
2. any of various mints of the genus Thymus