white sage

noun

: any of several shrubs of western America having canescent or hoary foliage: such as
a
: a common sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana)
c
: a perennial shrubby herb (Salvia apiana) chiefly of dry soils of southern California and Baja California that has aromatic white to pale green leaves and tall flower stalks with white to pale lavender flowers

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of white sage was in 1862

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near white sage

Cite this Entry

“White sage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20sage. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!