aloe

noun al·oe \ ˈa-(ˌ)lō \

Updated on: 17 Apr 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

See aloe defined for English-language learners

See aloe defined for kids

Recent Examples of aloe from the Web

Since it's infused with conditioning butters, aloe, and avocado oil, lips stay smooth and hydrated.

— maria cassano, Allure, "Urban Decay and Nicole Richie's House of Harlow Are Launching Exclusive Products," 13 Apr. 2018
Sunshine & Glitter also have glitter lip balm and glitter after sun for anyone who needs some aloe after staying out in the sun for a while.

— tamara fuentes, Seventeen, "Glitter Sunscreen Actually Exists, So You Can Protect Your Skin AND Keep It Sparkly," 9 Apr. 2018
The formula contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and panthenol to deeply hydrate the skin.

— kathleen hou, The Cut, "How I Used Korean Skin Care to Treat My Hormonal Acne," 9 Mar. 2018
During her lifetime, Walska was more famous for running through six husbands than for creating dramatic displays of aloes, bromeliads, cycads, cactuses, epiphyllums, succulents, ferns and more in themed landscapes.

— emily young, latimes.com, "Celebrating the elusive Lotusland, among the world's most beautiful gardens," 29 Mar. 2018
The products, which come in 100 percent recyclable packaging, feature carefully sourced natural ingredients such as aloe, charcoal, cucumber, kelp, algae and more.

— atlanta life, ajc, "Eyecatchers," 27 Mar. 2018
The gentle moisturizer has a lightweight, almost whipped texture and a formula full of rosewater and aloe to soothe, plus white tea extract to firm and plump.

— refinery29.com, "This Millennial Pink Moisturizer Has Sold Out 3 Times — Don't Miss It Again," 19 Mar. 2018
Simkins says not to forget the basics, like coconut oil and aloe.

— megan lewis, kansascity, "Four skin care tips KC experts suggest for the arrival of spring | The Kansas City Star," 16 Mar. 2018
Last Monday, a group of adult and kid volunteers spent the morning in Yew Dell’s greenhouse dividing aloe plants, potting up tropical cacti and generally soaking in all the greenhouse could deliver.

— paul cappiello, The Courier-Journal, "Put a little 'spring' in your step this January with an outdoor greenhouse," 19 Jan. 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

See Words from the same year

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