herb

noun

ˈərb 

US also and British usually

ˈhərb 

often attributive

1

botany : a seed-producing annual, biennial, or perennial that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season

2

: a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities

planted parsley, basil, and rosemary in her herb garden

3

slang : marijuana sense 2

herblike

ˈ(h)ərb-ˌlīk 

adjective

herby

ˈ(h)ər-bē 

adjective

Examples of herb in a Sentence

a dish seasoned with chopped fresh herbs

rosemary, sage, and other herbs

Recent Examples on the Web

Turmeric is an herb known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2025

The dish—tricked out with lots of butter, herbs, and perfectly broiled with breadcrumbs atop for the perfect crunch—was so decadent and rich that Alciatore named it after the wealthiest man of the time: John D. Rockefeller. —Jenn Rice, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Some aromatic herbs are grown in the gardens overlooked by the defining bay window. —Kasia Dietz, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2025

Horsetail Horsetail is a herb from the Equisetum plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English herbe, from Anglo-French, from Latin herba

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing herb

• herb doctor
• herb Robert
• willow herb

Kids Definition

herb

noun

ˈərb 

also

ˈhərb 

1

: a seed-producing plant that does not develop long-lived woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season

2

: a plant or plant part used for making medicine and seasonings

Medical Definition

herb

noun

ˈ(h)ərb 

often attributive

1

: a seed plant that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season

2

: a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities