aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈa-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce aloe (audio)
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

Examples of aloe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Convenience aside, the formula blends tapioca starch and oat-kernel flour for double-duty scalp soothing and oil absorption, with aloe-leaf juice for hair hydration. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2026 The spa The spa, which is currently undergoing a refresh, is fabulous, with tropical-zen indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and an emphasis on incorporating local ingredients like aloe, passion fruit, and coffee into different services. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026 Josephine Joy’s canvases teem with San Diego’s pepper trees and aloe plants. John P. Murphy, ARTnews.com, 5 Apr. 2026 While not thorns, these foliar teeth can take a bite out of those who attempt to cross a thicket of torch aloes. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aloe

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of aloe was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aloe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aloe. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

aloe

noun
al·​oe ˈal-ō How to pronounce aloe (audio)
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

Medical Definition

aloe

noun
al·​oe ˈal-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce aloe (audio)
1
capitalized : a large genus (family Asphodelaceae) of succulent chiefly southern African plants 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

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