herbal

1 of 2

noun

herb·​al ˈ(h)ər-bəl 

1

: a book about plants especially with reference to their medicinal properties

2

archaic : herbarium sense 1

3

: herbal medicine sense 2

Some herbals may indeed be gentle remedies. But using them with prescription drugs can be a dangerous mix.

—Josh Fischman

herbal

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, utilizing, or made of herbs

Examples of herbal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There is a wide range in taste from one extra-virgin olive oil to another, from herbal and fruity to bitter and peppery, depending on the olives harvested. —Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 12 July 2023

To offset the heat, there are flaky roti and thick wedges of buttered white toast, plus cold bottles of Indian beer and mango lassis, which become a dessert called Mastani with the addition of vanilla ice cream, nuts, and bright-green, herbal-tasting khus syrup, made from vetiver grass. —Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2023

Adjective

Because of this, tea (mainly herbal or green tea) can be a suitable option in addition to plain water to help meet daily hydration needs. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024

Yellow chartreuse is milder and sweeter, with a more honeyed flavor but still contains the herbal complexity characteristic of the liqueur. —Rachel King, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1612, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing herbal

• herbal medicine
• herbal remedy

Kids Definition

herbal

adjective

herb·​al

ˈ(h)ər-bəl

: of, relating to, or made of herbs

Medical Definition

herbal

1 of 2 noun

herb·​al ˈ(h)ər-bəl 

1

: a book about plants especially with reference to their medical properties

2

: herbal remedy

herbal

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, or made of herbs