aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈa-(ˌ)lō 

1

aloes plural : agarwood

2

a

: any of a large genus (Aloe) of succulent chiefly southern African plants of the lily family with basal leaves and spicate flowers

b

: the dried juice of the leaves of various aloes used especially formerly as a purgative

—usually used in plural but singular in construction

c

: aloe vera

Examples of aloe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The formula also includes 2% salicylic acid to help treat and prevent breakouts, plus soothing aloe and allantoin to keep skin calm and balanced. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 4 Aug. 2025

New Wash redefines cleansing with a detergent-free, non-foaming formula that swaps harsh suds for a gentle blend of aloe, essential oils, and scalp-nourishing botanicals. —Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

Bioactive substances in aloe vera, including aloe emodin and salicylic acid, have known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and immunity-enhancing properties that may be useful for treating psoriasis.18 These substances may improve redness and scaling associated with psoriasis. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025

This heavy-blooming aloe flowers in its first season and reblooms summer through winter to the delight of hummingbirds. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin, from Latin, dried juice of aloe leaves, from Greek aloē

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aloe

• aloe vera

Rhymes for aloe

• beau
• beaux
• blow
• boe
• bro
• coe
• crow
• doe
• doh
• dough
• eau
• eaux

Kids Definition

aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈal-ō 

1

: any of a large genus of chiefly southern African plants related to lilies and having spikes of often showy flowers

2

: the dried bitter juice of the leaves of an aloe used especially formerly as a strong laxative and tonic

—usually used in plural

3

: aloe vera

Medical Definition

aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈal-(ˌ)ō 

1

capitalized : a large genus of succulent chiefly southern African plants of the lily family with basal leaves and spicate flowers

2

: a plant of the genus Aloe

3

: the dried juice of the leaves of various aloes used especially formerly as a purgative and tonic

—usually used in plural but singular in construction

4

: aloe vera sense 2