masala

noun

ma·​sa·​la mä-ˈsä-lä How to pronounce masala (audio)
-lə, 
mə-
: a varying blend of spices used in Indian cooking

Examples of masala 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.
Some of the pizzeria’s signature pies are an Indian garlic chicken pizza, a chicken curry pizza, a chicken Tikki masala pizza, and a vegetable masala pizza, according to its online menu. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 What to order The menu moves beyond the familiar butter chicken and tikka masala lineup, pulling from regional Indian cuisine across the subcontinent — small and large plates, tandoor cooking, chaat and seafood. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 Bursting with 101 recipes for everything from spicy butter masala pasta to dirty chai espresso martinis, the cookbook rejoices in the culinary possibilities that arise with blending cultures. — Emma Specter, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026 This masala chai is unapologetically gingery, warmly spiced with cinnamon and cardamom, and just sweet enough from maple syrup. — Carla Lalli Music, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for masala

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu masālā materials, ingredients, spices

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of masala was in 1780

Phrases Containing masala

Rhymes for masala

See All Rhymes for masala

Browse Nearby Words

masa harina
masala
Masan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Masala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masala. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about masala

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