basil

noun

ba·​sil ˈba-zəl  ˈbā-  -səl 

1

: any of several aromatic herbs (genus Ocimum) of the mint family

especially : sweet basil

2

: the dried or fresh leaves of a basil used especially as a seasoning

Examples of basil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their fresh sorrentinos come with fillings like spinach and ricotta, ham and mozzarella, or eggplant and basil, and are paired with a choice of over 14 homemade sauces. —Allie Lazar, Saveur, 11 Dec. 2024

Neapolitan-style pies include the Star Luca, topped with spicy salami Calabrese, mozzarella, Italian tomato sauce and basil, and the Coffee Paolo, with gorgonzola blue cheese, honey and — yes — espresso. —Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 10 Dec. 2024

Just like basil adds a bright peppery flavor, adding a floral scent to the tomato dish gives it a new dimension entirely. —Anna Haines, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

In the past year, the CDC has reported outbreaks linked to cantaloupes, diced onions, fresh basil and charcuterie meats. —Victoria Forster, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English basyl, basyle, shortening (perhaps by confusion with Middle French basile "basilisk") of Middle French basilic or its source, Medieval Latin basilicon, borrowed from Greek basilikón (for presumed basilikòn phytón "royal plant"), noun derivative from neuter of basilikós "royal" — more at basilica

Note: The word basilikón as a name for a plant or herb is marginally attested in ancient and early post-classical Greek, the usual word for what is presumed to be Ocimum basilicum in Greek being ṓkimon. The identity of a lákhanon basilikón ("royal herb") in the pseudo-Aristotelian De plantis (2nd century b.c.) is uncertain. The lexicon of Hesychius (5th-6th centuries a.d., incorporating much ancient material) glosses ṓkimon as "fragrant herb, called basilikón" ("botánē euṓdēs, tò legómenon basilikón").

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing basil

• bush basil
• sweet basil

Kids Definition

basil

noun

bas·​il

ˈbaz-əl,

ˈbāz-,

ˈbas-,

ˈbās-

: any of several plants of the mint family

especially : sweet basil

Biographical Definition

Basil

biographical name

Bas·​il ˈbā-zəl 

ˈba-,

-səl

variants or Basilius

bə-ˈsi-lē-əs 

-ˈzi-

Saint circa 329–379 the Great church father; bishop of Caesarea