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 biggest safety concern with aloe vera is a group of natural compounds called anthraquinones, especially aloin and aloe-emodin. — Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026

Blurring foundations often feature ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, or ceramides to hydrate and plump skin all day. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 27 July 2026

This Best of Beauty Award winner pairs five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid with brightening niacinamide, calming aloe, antioxidant-rich green microalgae, and firming vegan peptides. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 July 2026

The lightweight formula is packed with hydrating, skin-plumping ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and aloe water, which leave me with a natural-looking, no-makeup-makeup look that’s also extremely buildable. — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 5 July 2026

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
• beaut
• beaux
• blow
• 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 (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

: aloe vera sense 2