Thyme

Pronunciation

• IPA: /taɪm/
• Rhymes: -aɪm
• Homophones: time

Origin

From Ancient Greek θύμον (thumon).

Full definition of thyme

Noun

1. Any plant of the labiate genus Thymus, such as the , , a warm, pungent aromatic, that is much used to give a relish to seasoning and soups.
2. (poetic, Ireland, UK, dated) A metaphor for virginity, chastity.
• 17th century, A Bunch of Thyme (traditional song):Come all ye maidens young and fairAnd you that are blooming in your primeAlways beware and keep your garden fairLet no man steal away your thyme
• 19th century, A Sprig of Thyme (traditional):Wunst I had a sprig of thyme,it prospered by night and by dayill a false young man came acourtin' te me,and he stole all this thyme away.

Derived terms