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

This recipe combines smoky cheeses and ham, plus pecans and fresh herbs, for a tasty idea for any gathering. —Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2024

Add the beans,herbs and flavorings and heat through. —Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 27 Nov. 2024

Arrange the crab cakes on top, and garnish with the flowers, scallions, herbs, and apple. —Lynn Derrick and Janelle Weaver, Saveur, 27 Nov. 2024

Turn leftover turkey into a turkey noodle ramen, combining it with dashi and fresh herbs. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

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