What does "nutmeg" mean?
An evergreen tree (Myristica fragrans) cultivated in the East Indies for its spicy seeds.
Nutmeg
/ˈnʌt.mɛɡ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An evergreen tree (Myristica fragrans) cultivated in the East Indies for its spicy seeds.
- Grammar: nutmeg is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: condiment, ebony, flavor, ground nutmeg.
- Useful contrasts: unseason, whole nutmeg.
- Usage evidence: Salt and pepper completely and add a dash of nutmeg.
How to use "nutmeg"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "nutmeg" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "nutmeg" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "nutmeg" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "nutmeg" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "nutmeg" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "condiment" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "nutmeg", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An evergreen tree (Myristica fragrans) cultivated in the East Indies for its spicy seeds. countable, uncountable
- 2 hard aromatic seed of the nutmeg tree used as spice when grated or ground wordnet
- 3 The aromatic seed of this tree, used as a spice.; The powdered seed, ready for use. uncountable
- 4 East Indian tree widely cultivated in the tropics for its aromatic seed; source of two spices: nutmeg and mace wordnet
- 5 The aromatic seed of this tree, used as a spice.; A whole nutmeg seed. countable
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 A small moth, Hadula trifolii, feeding on plants and native to the Northern Hemisphere. countable, uncountable
- 7 A grey-brown colour. countable, uncountable
- 8 The playing of the ball between the legs of an opponent. countable, uncountable
"The same applied to Loftus-Cheek, who grew into the game after a quiet start and even had the impudence to slip the ball through Marcel Halstenberg’s legs in the first half. Nutmegs aside, Loftus-Cheek also came up with one of England’s best passes of the night, sending Jamie Vardy through the middle at the end of the first half."
Verb
- 1 To flavour with nutmeg. transitive
"She decided the eggnog was lacking in flavor, so she decided to nutmeg it heavily."
- 2 To play the ball between the legs of (an opponent). transitive
"Barcelona did not just out play them, they emphatically put them in their place during that opening 45 minutes when Luis Suárez scored twice, Dani Alves struck the crossbar, Lionel Messi nutmegged David Silva and Manuel Pellegrini’s team stumbled to the interval like a side in need of smelling salts rather than half-time oranges."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
unseasonwhole nutmeg
Example
"Salt and pepper completely and add a dash of nutmeg."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "nutmeg"?
Common synonyms include: condiment, ebony, flavor, ground nutmeg, myristica fragrans, nutmeg powder.
How do you use "nutmeg" in a sentence?
Salt and pepper completely and add a dash of nutmeg.
How do you pronounce "nutmeg"?
Pronounced /ˈnʌt.mɛɡ/.
Etymology
From Middle English notemege, notemuge, a partial translation of Medieval Latin nux muga, a variant of Medieval Latin nux muscata (“musky nut”). Compare also Old French nois mugede. For the term used in various ball sports, see Wikipedia.