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Definition of masala

masala

/məˈsɑː.lə/
ma · sa · la
Plural:masalas
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masala Lexical Profile

masala Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various aromatic blends of ground spices—typically including cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper—used extensively in South Asian cooking.

Example

"She toasted the whole seeds in a dry skillet before grinding them into a fragrant homemade masala."

2

A South Asian dish of meat, fish, vegetables, or cheese cooked in a rich, seasoned sauce made with a blend of aromatic spices.

Example

"We ordered a creamy chickpea masala served with warm garlic naan and basmati rice."

3

A popular genre of Indian cinema that blends multiple distinct elements—such as action, comedy, romance, melodrama, and musical numbers—within a single film, or any similarly eclectic cultural mixture.

Example

"The director's latest blockbuster is a vibrant cinematic masala that seamlessly shifts from slapstick comedy to high-stakes drama."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for masala

• Rhymes for masala

• Nearby Words

mary river turtle
marzipan
masa
masala
mascara
mascarpone
mascot

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Hindi and Urdu 'masalaha', from Persian 'masalih', ultimately from the Arabic plural 'masalih' meaning 'affairs, benefits, or ingredients', derived from the root 's-l-h' (to be good or suitable).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Masala. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/masala
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