Here's a list of common spices used in cooking:
1. **Salt**: While not technically a spice, salt is an essential seasoning used in almost every cuisine worldwide. It enhances the flavor of dishes and balances out other flavors.

2. **Black Pepper**: Another ubiquitous spice, black pepper adds a sharp, pungent flavor to dishes. It's used both in its whole form and ground.

3. **Cumin**: Commonly used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Latin American cuisines, cumin has a warm, earthy flavor with a slightly bitter undertone. It's often used in spice blends like curry powder and chili powder.

4. **Paprika**: Made from dried and ground peppers, paprika comes in various forms, including sweet, smoked, and hot. It adds color and flavor to dishes, ranging from mild and sweet to spicy and smoky.

5. **Cinnamon**: A versatile spice used in both sweet and savory dishes, cinnamon has a warm, sweet flavor with subtle spicy notes. It's commonly used in baking, as well as in curries, stews, and marinades.

6. **Ginger**: Known for its spicy, slightly sweet flavor, ginger adds warmth and depth to dishes. It can be used fresh, dried, or ground and is commonly used in Asian and Indian cuisines.

7. **Garlic Powder**: Made from dried garlic cloves, garlic powder is a convenient way to add garlic flavor to dishes without the hassle of peeling and mincing fresh garlic. It's used in various savory dishes, including soups, sauces, and marinades.

8. **Onion Powder**: Like garlic powder, onion powder is made from dried onions. It adds a sweet and savory flavor to dishes and is often used in spice blends, meat rubs, and seasoning mixes.

9. **Chili Powder**: A blend of dried, ground chili peppers and other spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano, chili powder adds heat and flavor to dishes like chili con carne, tacos, and enchiladas.

10. **Oregano**: A staple in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, oregano has a robust, slightly bitter flavor with hints of citrus and pine. It's commonly used in tomato-based sauces, marinades, and meat rubs.

11. **Thyme**: With a subtle, earthy flavor, thyme pairs well with many dishes, including meats, stews, soups, and roasted vegetables. It's often used in combination with other herbs like rosemary and parsley.

12. **Rosemary**: Known for its fragrant, pine-like aroma and flavor, rosemary adds a bold, savory taste to dishes. It's commonly used in roasted meats, potatoes, bread, and marinades.

These are just a few examples of common spices used in cooking, but there are many more, each adding its own unique flavor and aroma to dishes. Experimenting with different spices can help you discover new flavor combinations and enhance your cooking skills.