basmati rice

noun

bas·​ma·​ti rice ˌbäz-ˈmä-tē- How to pronounce basmati rice (audio)
ˌbäs-
also ˌbaz-, 
ˌbas-
: a cultivated aromatic long-grain rice originating in southern Asia

called also basmati

Examples of basmati rice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Long grain white or basmati rice make the base of this jambalaya. — Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 4 Dec. 2025 The coconut-curry sauce was rich and creamy, served with basmati rice, cucumber sambal and butter roti on the side (perfect for dipping). — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025 Mix cooked and cooled basmati rice with shredded chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, almonds, celery, and herbs then toss with a simple vinaigrette for a hardy meal. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026 The cuisine leans toward coastal Mexican fare, like ceviche with corvina and habanero; bluefin tuna tostadas and smoked salmon tostadas; and a seafood and basmati rice casserole with shrimp, octopus, calamari and sea bass. — Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for basmati rice

Word History

Etymology

Hindi bāsmatī kind of rice, literally, something fragrant

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basmati rice was in 1856

Rhymes for basmati rice

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Browse Nearby Words

bask in the reflected glory
basmati rice
bas mitzvah
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Cite this Entry

“Basmati rice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basmati%20rice. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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