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

Scents of herbs and aromatics -- including lavender, rosemary, thyme, basil and garlic -- can also repel mosquitoes, especially when used in diffusers. —Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025

Herbs: Herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, lavender, chives, oregano, and chamomile can all be used as companion plants to deter fruit tree pests like the codling moth. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025

Verb

This mint produces a nice scent with small white to lavender flowers. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 1 June 2025

These colors start with a white-platinum blonde base and take just a dash of color: Pick your poison: lavender, baby pink, or mint. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 2 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