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

Cobalt, as seen at Versace, and red, at Kallmeyer, bring a confident jolt of color, while pastels, like lavender (as seen at Chloé), blush pink, and soft blue offer a softer way to tap into the trend alongside staple neutrals. —Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026

Yellow and white came first, followed by pink, lavender, blue, green and orange. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026

Verb

Speckled with dark purple spots, the white to lavender flowers open along arching stems in late summer through fall. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026

This seafoam green to lavender gradient, topped with white chrome powder, is a perfect homage to Pisces' aura colors. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026

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