aloe

noun al·oe \ ˈa-(ˌ)lō \

|Updated on: 23 Jul 2018

Definition of aloe

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

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See aloe defined for kids

Recent Examples of aloe from the Web

The rose water and aloe is a heavenly reset after a day of schlepping luggage.

— cara kelly, USA TODAY, "Packing the ultimate weekender: Our favorite products for your carry-on or beach bag," 9 July 2018
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Oil-Free Moisturizer Yep, another gel moisturizer — this one uses natural ingredients like aloe and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin smooth and hydrated.

— kara wahlgren, Seventeen, "5 Best Drugstore Moisturizers for Oily Skin," 19 Dec. 2017
Wander Beauty's Wanderlust powder foundation will take your face on an international journey via its wide-reaching ingredient list, which includes Korean aloe leaf and honeysuckle, U.S. jojoba esters, and French hibiscus.

— wendy gould, Allure, "The 9 Best Powder Foundations to Thwart Summer Sweat," 3 July 2018
Canares said mild burns can be treated a home with aloe or other remedies recommended by the family doctor, but more severe burns with blisters larger than an index finger require emergency attention.

— meredith cohn, baltimoresun.com, "With 4th of July come warnings about dangers from fireworks," 28 June 2018
An easy-to-grow succulent for gardeners in the frost-free climes, aloe is perhaps best known as a salve for sore or sunburnt skin.

— Sunset, "Top 10 Medicinal Plants You Can Grow at Home," 22 Jan. 2018
There will be native dune strawberries, wild irises, European fan palms, aloes and the blue flowers of the Ceanothus bush.

— j.k. dineen, San Francisco Chronicle, "Above the bay, the Tunnel Tops green space is coming to San Francisco," 12 June 2018
Even our relationship with the once-obscure aloe plant has changed.

— christopher arnott, courant.com, "Apartheid Drama "A Lesson From Aloes" At Hartford Stage Has Powerful, Relevant Message," 29 May 2018
Warm stones and cleansing muds using sage, aloe, rosemary and jojoba growing naturally in the environment add to the serene experience.

— brian sodoma, azcentral, "World-class Tucson spas more than skin-deep experiences," 31 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aloe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of aloe

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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ALOE Defined for English Language Learners

aloe

noun

Definition of aloe for English Language Learners

: a tropical plant that has heavy leaves which produce a thick liquid used in medicines, cosmetics, etc.

Medical Dictionary

aloe

noun al·oe \ ˈal-(ˌ)ō \

medical Definition of aloe

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 2