lavender

1 of 2

noun

lav·​en·​der ˈla-vən-dər 

1

a

: a Mediterranean mint (Lavandula angustifolia synonym L. officinalis) widely cultivated for its narrow aromatic leaves and spikes of lilac-purple flowers which are dried and used in sachets and from which is extracted an aromatic oil used chiefly in perfumery

b

: any of several plants congeneric with true lavender and used similarly but often considered inferior

2

: a pale purple

lavender

2 of 2

verb

lavendered; lavendering ˈla-vən-d(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

: to sprinkle or perfume with lavender

Examples of lavender in a Sentence

Noun

a small cloth bag filled with lavender

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Lastly, the Renewal Body Oil provides a calming and hydrating thanks to magnolia extract, eucalyptus, and lavender. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 15 May 2025

In 2022, the mother of three looked lavish in lavender. —Colson Thayer, People.com, 5 May 2025

Verb

Butterflies and flies are drawn to lavender in bloom, adds Dellinger. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 14 May 2025

Flowers that attract both honeybees and bumblebees include borage, salvias, sunflower, milkweed (Asclepius spp.), California native yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and lavender. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 10 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English lavendre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin lavandula

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1820, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lavender

• sea lavender
• spike lavender

Kids Definition

lavender

noun

lav·​en·​der

ˈlav-ən-dər

1

a

: a Mediterranean mint widely cultivated for its narrow somewhat woolly leaves and stalks of small sweet-smelling pale violet flowers compare sea lavender

b

: the dried leaves and flowers of lavender used to perfume clothes and bed linen

2

: a pale purple