jasmine

noun

jas·​mine ˈjaz-mən 

variants or less commonly jessamine

ˈje-smən,

ˈje-sə-mən 

1

a

: any of numerous often climbing shrubs (genus Jasminum) of the olive family that usually have extremely fragrant flowers

especially : a tall-climbing semievergreen Asian shrub (J. officinale) with fragrant white flowers from which oil is extracted for use in perfumes

b

: any of numerous plants having sweet-scented flowers

especially : yellow jessamine

2

: a light yellow

Illustration of jasmine

• jasmine 1a

Examples of jasmine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s drenched in syrupy sweet cherry liqueur, balanced by bitter almond, a floral rose and jasmine blend, and finished with sandalwood for a sweet, woody dry down. —Danielle James, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025

Neroli Leaf: Includes apple oil, green mandarin oil, orange flower, jasmine petals, and vanilla. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025

The sultry sweetness of jasmine and freesia mix with airy peony and powdery violet, while cedar moss, oakmoss, and musk bring in a dash of forest floor. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 25 Mar. 2025

In some places, people hurled marigolds, roses and jasmine petals instead of colored powder. —Associated Press, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French jasmin, from Arabic yāsamīn, from Persian

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for jasmine

• plasmin
• yasmin
• ceruloplasmin

Kids Definition

jasmine

noun

jas·​mine ˈjaz-mən 

variants or jessamine

ˈjes-(ə-)mən

: any of numerous often climbing shrubs that are related to the olive and have extremely fragrant flowers

also : any of various plants noted for sweet-scented flowers