purslane

noun

purs·​lane ˈpər-slən 

-ˌslān

: any of a family (Portulacaceae, the purslane family) of cosmopolitan usually succulent herbs

especially : a fleshy-leaved trailing plant (Portulaca oleracea) with tiny yellow flowers that is a common troublesome weed but is sometimes eaten as a potherb or in salads

Examples of purslane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Recently, marinated, raw tuna cubes sat on top of a creamy hazelnut and bean pure while a fatty pork jowl was balanced by a tart salsa verde and sprigs of purslane. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026

Rice extract, rice bran extract, purslane extract, adenosine Best For: Discoloration, brightening, and acne-prone skin. —Rosa Jisoo Pyo, Vogue, 8 May 2026

Water ornamental purslane when the soil has dried out or the leaves look shriveled. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026

Panthenol and purslane extract calm and reduce visible redness, while the lightweight formula blends in easily and layers seamlessly under makeup. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French porsulaigne, from Late Latin porcillagin-, porcillago, alteration of Latin porcillaca, alteration of portulaca

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for purslane

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign