aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈa-(ˌ)lō 

1

aloes plural : agarwood

2

a

: any of a large genus (Aloe) of succulent chiefly southern African plants of the lily family with basal leaves and spicate flowers

b

: the dried juice of the leaves of various aloes used especially formerly as a purgative

—usually used in plural but singular in construction

c

: aloe vera

Examples of aloe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Simply add a few drops of this gentle formula to your bath and soak your cares away while moisturizing your skin with aloe, Vitamin E oil, and castor oil. —Christina Shepherd McGuire, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024

Instead of sulfates, Carol's Daughter Wash Day Delight Shampoo uses a combination of micellar water, moisturizing glycerin, exfoliating salicylic acid, and soothing aloe to cleanse the scalp without stripping strands of essential moisture. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Oct. 2024

This version of the brand’s popular anti-dandruff shampoo also contains aloe, which has a soothing effect on the scalp. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 15 Oct. 2024

Key ingredients are pure aloe, apricot oil, apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, carrot seed oil, lavender oil and rosehip oil along with oats and beeswax. —Kathryn Hopkins, WWD, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin, from Latin, dried juice of aloe leaves, from Greek aloē

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aloe

• aloe vera

Kids Definition

aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈal-ō 

1

: any of a large genus of chiefly southern African plants related to lilies and having spikes of often showy flowers

2

: the dried bitter juice of the leaves of an aloe used especially formerly as a strong laxative and tonic

—usually used in plural

3

: aloe vera

Medical Definition

aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈal-(ˌ)ō 

1

capitalized : a large genus of succulent chiefly southern African plants of the lily family with basal leaves and spicate flowers

2

: a plant of the genus Aloe

3

: the dried juice of the leaves of various aloes used especially formerly as a purgative and tonic

—usually used in plural but singular in construction

4

: aloe vera sense 2