herbal

noun

herb·​al ˈ(h)ər-bəl How to pronounce herbal (audio)
1
: a book about plants especially with reference to their medicinal properties
2
archaic : herbarium sense 1
3
: herbal medicine sense 2
Some herbals may indeed be gentle remedies. But using them with prescription drugs can be a dangerous mix.Josh Fischman

Examples of herbal 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.
The breathable material is infused with herbals like ashwagandha, valerian root, lavender, L-theanine, passion flower, lemon balm, and 4 milligrams of melatonin. Molly Higgins, Wired News, 23 Jan. 2026 Those bottlings tend to be richer and more assertive, showcasing rye bread, earthy grain, pepper, baking spices, and a tannic grip, while still preserving rye’s signature herbal and minty notes that many drinkers associate with Canadian rye. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026 Red is a blend of citrus and aromatic herbal, with notes of patchouli, cedarwood and white musk. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 Dec. 2025 In a similar vein, authors of early modern herbals such as John Gerard(e) instructed their readers to use different parts of the plant—its juice, flowers, rind, and seeds—to address stomach concerns, dysentery, dental health, wounds and bleeding, and menstrual health. Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for herbal

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of herbal was in 1526

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Cite this Entry

“Herbal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herbal. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

herbal

adjective
herb·​al
ˈ(h)ər-bəl
: of, relating to, or made of herbs

Medical Definition

herbal

1 of 2 noun
herb·​al ˈ(h)ər-bəl How to pronounce herbal (audio)
1
: a book about plants especially with reference to their medical properties
2

herbal

2 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, or made of herbs

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