henna

1 of 2

noun

hen·​na ˈhe-nə 

1

: a reddish-brown dye that is used especially on hair and in temporary tattoos and is obtained from the leaves of an Old World tropical shrub or small tree

2

: the Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family that yields henna dye and has small opposite leaves and clusters of fragrant usually white flowers

henna

2 of 2

verb

hennaed; hennaing; hennas

transitive verb

: to dye with henna

a woman with hennaed hair

Examples of henna in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Families can shop local through our Vendor Village, choose from more than 14 food trucks each day, sip on craft brews and local wine and children have face painting, henna, glitter tattoos, slime-making and yoga classes. —Brian Gioiele, Connecticut Post, 3 Oct. 2024

As a sentimental touch, the bride recreated her mother’s wedding day henna design on her hands and feet. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2024

Beneath it, her natural hair had also been treated with care, dyed with henna and juniper. —New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2024

Her natural hair had been dyed with juniper and henna. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Arabic ḥinnā'

First Known Use

Noun

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1851, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

henna

1 of 2 noun

hen·​na ˈhen-ə 

: a reddish brown dye obtained from the leaves of an Old World tropical shrub and used especially on hair

henna

2 of 2 verb

hennaed

ˈhen-əd

; hennaing

: to dye or tint with henna

Medical Definition

henna

noun

hen·​na ˈhen-ə 

1

: an Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family (Lythraceae) with clusters of fragrant white flowers

2

: a reddish brown dye obtained from the leaves of the henna plant and used especially on hair and in temporary tattoos