plural misos
: a fermented paste that is used especially in Japanese cuisine, that consists chiefly of soybeans, salt, and usually grain (such as barley or rice), and that has a savory taste ranging from very salty to somewhat sweet
… miso, the savory paste that flavors everything in Japanese cuisine from soups and pickles to dressings for salads.—Harris Salat
Darker misos, such as brown and red, are fermented longer and have a stronger flavor. Lighter-colored misos have been fermented for less time, and have a milder, less salty flavor …—Robin Asbell
Miso is teeming with protein, B vitamins and minerals, and rich in glutamates, which give food that meaty taste known as umami.—Carole Kotkin
… miso paste is made by fermenting soybeans and sometimes grains (such as rice, barley, or rye) with a mold …—Cook's Illustrated
We live on rice, fish, pickles, noodles, and miso soup, made from soybeans.—James Fallows
Cite this Entry
“Miso.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miso. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
