: an aloe (Aloe barbadensis synonym A. vera) whose leaves furnish a gelatinous emollient extract used especially in cosmetics and skin creams
also : such an extract or a preparation composed primarily of such an extract

Examples of aloe vera in a Sentence

a skin cream that contains aloe vera
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.
Her nourishing hair mask combines avocado and coconut oils with aloe vera and banana extract to mend hair in need of TLC. Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026 An aloe vera plant that is overly dry may not absorb water well, and the soil can actually repel moisture. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 July 2026 The pick is formulated with aloe vera to deliver long-lasting hydration and hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize your hair follicles. Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 14 July 2026 These may include things like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and even aloe vera. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for aloe vera

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, species name, from Aloe + Latin vera, feminine of verus true — more at very entry 2

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aloe vera was in 1766

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aloe vera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aloe%20vera. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

: an aloe plant whose leaves contain a jellylike substance that is soothing to the skin
also : such a substance or a preparation consisting mostly of such a substance

Medical Definition

1
: a plant of the genus Aloe (A. barbadensis synonym A. vera) whose leaves furnish a gelatinous emollient extract used especially in cosmetics and skin creams
2
: an extract of the aloe vera plant
also : a preparation composed predominantly of such an extract
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