hummus

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'hummus' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a Middle Eastern dip or spread made from cooked and mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Example: "I made a batch of homemade hummus for the party and served it with pita bread and vegetables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What Rogers had described to me – protests, sit-ins, demonstrations, occupations, hummus – I can comprehend all that.

The Guardian

On any one day you could find a rich pumpkin soup with leek, cauliflower and sage, basmati rice with bitter puntarelle, courgette and marinated tofu, crunchy buckwheat smothered with a tangy hummus, seaweed risotto, and red cabbage flan.

The Guardian - Travel

Backstage at the Bowery Ballroom, in New York's Lower East Side, beside a table containing a hacked-into roast chicken, carrot batons, hummus, bottles of wine and vodka, "but wraps, no bread, it makes me fat", John Newman is also digesting the news that his single Love Me Again is at No 20 and first album, Tribute, at No 2 in the American iTunes charts.

The Guardian - Music

The recently overhauled cafe space is a charming place for brunch, offering interesting dishes such as a breakfast cheese platter and a vegan salad served with cashew hummus.

The Guardian - Travel

Should McDonalds' golden arches or the pert goatee and red apron of KFC's Colonel Sanders become as ubiquitous in Gaza and the West Bank as they are in so much of the world, the impact could be disastrous for family-run street stalls and cafes offering local fast food: falafel, hummus and shawarma.

The Guardian

A freshly baked pitta bread stuffed with crisp, fragrant fried balls of a chickpea and herb mixture, hummus, tahini, salads, pickles and chilli sauce can be bought for three shekels (50p).

The Guardian

We're probably what the labour movement was like a long time ago, but this time it's participatory, it's consensus-based, it's dynamic, it's fun and it's got baby change and fuck loads of hummus".

The Guardian

As a recent arts graduate, full of debt and still fresh with ideological philosophies and an unhealthy obsession with hummus, I found myself back at home and looking for work.

The Guardian

One CIA cable released in the report reveals that detainee Majid Khan was administered by enema his "'lunch tray' consisting of hummus, pasta with sauce, nuts and raisins was 'pureed and rectally infused'".

The Guardian

According to a CIA cable released in the report, his "'lunch tray' consisting of hummus, pasta with sauce, nuts and raisins was 'pureed and rectally infused'".

The Guardian

Flatbread and hummus may no longer do.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "hummus", specify variations like roasted red pepper or garlic to add detail and appeal to your descriptions.

Common error

Be mindful of the various spellings of "hummus", including 'humous', 'hoummos', and 'hommos'. While all are generally understood, "hummus" is the most common spelling in English.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hummus" is as a noun, denoting a specific food item. It functions as a countable noun when referring to servings or types, and an uncountable noun when referring to the food in general. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage as a noun in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hummus" functions primarily as a noun identifying a popular Middle Eastern dip, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans various contexts, predominantly in news and media. It maintains a neutral register, fitting into both casual and informative conversations. Common variations and serving suggestions enhance its versatility, while understanding the different spellings ensures clarity. As Ludwig’s analysis shows, "hummus" is not just a food but a cultural touchstone, frequently referenced and enjoyed worldwide.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chickpea dip

Refers to the category of dips to which "hummus" belongs, highlighting the primary ingredient.

chickpea spread

Focuses on the use of "hummus" as a spread, emphasizing its texture and application.

Middle Eastern dip

Highlights the geographical origin of "hummus" and its culinary tradition.

Levantine dip

Specifies the Levantine region as the origin of the dip.

tahini dip

Highlights a key ingredient, tahini, crucial to "hummus".

garbanzo bean dip

Uses another name for chickpeas, emphasizing the bean's presence.

Mediterranean spread

Broadens the geographical context to the Mediterranean region.

falafel accompaniment

Describes "hummus" in relation to another common Middle Eastern dish.

meze dip

Refers to "hummus" as part of a meze platter, emphasizing its role as an appetizer.

vegetarian spread

Highlights its suitability for vegetarian diets.

FAQs

How is "hummus" typically used in a meal?

"Hummus" is often served as a dip with pita bread or vegetables, as a spread in sandwiches or wraps, or as an accompaniment to dishes like falafel or shawarma.

What are some common variations of "hummus"?

Common variations include roasted red pepper hummus, garlic hummus, and lemon hummus, each offering a different flavor profile.

Is "hummus" a healthy food choice?

"Hummus" can be a healthy choice as it is a good source of protein and fiber, but it's important to consider the ingredients and portion sizes.

What can I serve with "hummus" besides pita bread?

You can serve "hummus" with vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumbers, or with crackers, tortilla chips, or even as a topping for salads and grain bowls.