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

Housed in a luxe glass jar is an oil-free, lightweight gel composed of 60% water, green tea, aloe, arnica, botanical oils and extracts to provide exceptional hydration, whist reflective circular pigments even skin tone with medium-to-full coverage. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025

Because of agaves’ resemblance to aloes, the name aloe vera came about, distinguishing it as ‘truly an aloe,’ and not to be taken for an agave. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 21 Feb. 2025

The formula is similar to Clinique’s beloved gel-like formula and boasts a combination of aloe, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E to plump, hydrate, and brighten skin. —Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 11 Dec. 2024

The mist is infused with rosewater, aloe, and other herbs to hydrate the skin and balance your complexion. —Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 30 Nov. 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

Rhymes for aloe

• beau
• beaux
• blow
• boe
• bro
• coe
• crow
• doe
• doh
• dough
• eau
• eaux

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