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

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

This formula glides on like silk without streaks, thanks to hydrating aloe in the formula. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 23 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

Research shows that aloe can help wounds, including sunburns, heal faster.4 Take over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers like Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen), aspirin or Tylenol (acetaminophen) to treat pain and any accompanying fever. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 29 Aug. 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 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 sense 2