aloe

noun

al·​oe ˈa-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce aloe (audio)
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

Examples of aloe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Go with the classic Sun In Hair Lightener, enriched with aloe, marigold, chamomile, and flaxseed, or the newer Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color, which rinses out after one wash. Annie Blackman, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025 For her garden design clients in Marin County, Holmes favors a combination of California native and non-native plants, including salvias, agaves, aloes, and manzanitas. Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025 Jean’s mama reproached her for not having been more careful and babied Wole, ordering him to remove his T-shirt and retrieving an aloe lotion, telling him to stretch out on the couch and instructing Jean to spread it over the tender areas. David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025 Fulton & Roark Fulton & Rourke deodorant not only comes in a huge variety of the brand’s elevated scents, but also contains aloe barbadensis leaf extract, which soothes and hydrates irritated skin. Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aloe

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of aloe was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aloe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aloe. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

aloe

noun
al·​oe ˈal-ō How to pronounce aloe (audio)
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

Medical Definition

aloe

noun
al·​oe ˈal-(ˌ)ō How to pronounce aloe (audio)
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

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