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.
Lactic acid also offers humectant-like properties, which are bolstered by fellow hydrating ingredients aloe and glycerin. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2025 Spears said the lockers were designed with the help of artist Levi River House and contain an array of supplies, including naloxone (generic Narcan), fentanyl and xylazine test strips, bandages, condoms, HIV testing kits, pregnancy tests, sunscreen and aloe. Ruby Grisin, The Courier-Journal, 8 Aug. 2025 The formula also includes 2% salicylic acid to help treat and prevent breakouts, plus soothing aloe and allantoin to keep skin calm and balanced. Lily Wohlner, Allure, 4 Aug. 2025 This heavy-blooming aloe flowers in its first season and reblooms summer through winter to the delight of hummingbirds. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 July 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 Sep. 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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