evening primrose

noun

: any of several dicotyledonous plants of a family (Onagraceae, the evening-primrose family) and especially of the type genus (Oenothera)

especially : a coarse biennial herb (O. biennis) of North America with yellow flowers that open in the evening

Examples of evening primrose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our top pick for a radiance-boosting night cream is The Outset’s Restorative Niacinamide Cream, which in addition to featuring balancing niacinamide, also contains softening evening primrose oil and the brand’s Hyaluroset Complex, which is a hyaluronic acid alternative that plumps the skin. —Jessie Quinn, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, evening primrose oil Size: 4 oz. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2024

Key Ingredients: Squalane, hyaluronic acid, evening primrose oil Best For: Dry skin, mature skin Size: 1 oz. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 7 Sep. 2024

Retinol can be drying, but this treatment compensates with shea butter and evening primrose oil, two occlusives that seal in moisture. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

evening primrose

noun

1

: a coarse herb that lives two years and produces yellow flowers that open in the evening

2

: any of several plants related to the evening primrose