herb

noun

ˈərb 

US also and British usually

ˈhərb 

often attributive

1

botany : a seed-producing annual, biennial, or perennial that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season

2

: a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities

planted parsley, basil, and rosemary in her herb garden

3

slang : marijuana sense 2

herblike

ˈ(h)ərb-ˌlīk 

adjective

herby

ˈ(h)ər-bē 

adjective

Examples of herb in a Sentence

a dish seasoned with chopped fresh herbs

rosemary, sage, and other herbs

Recent Examples on the Web

The menu is based on the concept of monastery cuisine — simple, natural preparation, with a preference for vegetables, herbs, and fruit. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Dec. 2024

Tituba learns the power of herbs and healing from a wise elder in Barbados and her knowledge of the natural world leads to her eventual accusation of witchcraft in America. —Anita Kopacz, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

The backyard features gardens where herbs are grown for the restaurant and a walking trail borders the property. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Dec. 2024

Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika: The right combination of herbs and spices for these meatballs. —Nicole Hopper, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English herbe, from Anglo-French, from Latin herba

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing herb

• herb doctor
• herb Robert
• willow herb

Kids Definition

herb

noun

ˈərb 

also

ˈhərb 

1

: a seed-producing plant that does not develop long-lived woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season

2

: a plant or plant part used for making medicine and seasonings

Medical Definition

herb

noun

ˈ(h)ərb 

often attributive

1

: a seed plant that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season

2

: a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities