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

Indirect Light Set aloe in bright, indirect light, such as in a south-facing window. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2025

The aloe and cucumber scent is my fave. —The Editors, Outside, 14 Nov. 2025

Formulated in Korea with natural, non-irritating ingredients suitable for sensitive skin, the face masks are the first example, infusing hydrating and calming ingredients such as Vitamin B12 and aloe. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025

Ingesting aloe leaf extract has been associated with acute hepatitis (liver inflammation). —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2025

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
• beaux
• blow
• boe
• 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